A late first-half goal from Yoane Wissa earned DR Congo a deserved 1-1 draw against Portugal in their opening Group K fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
Portugal looked set for a winning start when midfielder João Neves headed home inside six minutes at Houston Stadium. Pedro Neto’s inviting cross found the youngster in space, and he made no mistake with a powerful header beyond the Congolese goalkeeper.
However, DR Congo responded impressively and levelled in first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku delivered a dangerous cross into the box and Wissa rose unmarked to head into the net from close range, scoring the nation’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
Despite controlling 75 per cent of possession, Portugal struggled to turn their dominance into clear opportunities. Roberto Martinez’s side moved the ball comfortably but found it difficult to break through DR Congo’s disciplined five-man defence.
Cedric Bakambu nearly completed a remarkable turnaround for the African side when he struck the post from close range, although the effort would not have counted because the referee had already blown for a foul. The veteran striker later dragged another opportunity wide.
Portugal’s only effort on target throughout the entire match remained Neves’ early goal, highlighting their lack of creativity in the final third.
Much of the attention before kick-off centred on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who made history by appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup finals, equalling Lionel Messi’s record.
At 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. However, the Portuguese legend could not mark the occasion with a goal.
His best opportunities came midway through the second half when substitute Francisco Conceição delivered two low crosses into the penalty area. Ronaldo connected with both chances but sent each effort narrowly wide of the post.
The Al-Nassr striker remains in pursuit of another remarkable milestone as he aims to become the first player ever to score in six different World Cups.
Wissa’s historic strike ensured that DR Congo not only claimed their first World Cup goal but also secured their first-ever point in the competition.
Portugal will remain in Houston for their second Group K match against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on 23 June.
Meanwhile, DR Congo travel to Guadalajara to face Colombia on 24 June, hoping to build on an encouraging result that has already become one of the stories of the opening week of the tournament.
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