By Francis Onyach - Reporter
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United States, 17 June 2026 - Portugal's quest for a first FIFA World Cup title began in disappointing fashion on Wednesday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient DR Congo side in their Group K opener in Houston.
While much of the pre-match attention centered on Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, it was the African underdogs who left the stronger impression after earning a historic result.
Portugal could hardly have asked for a better start. Just six minutes into the contest, midfielder João Neves headed home from Pedro Neto's cross to give Roberto Martínez's side an early lead. The goal appeared to set the stage for a comfortable afternoon for one of the tournament favorites. Portugal dominated possession throughout the opening period and controlled much of the play, but they struggled to convert that control into clear-cut opportunities.
Despite enjoying nearly all of the ball, Portugal lacked urgency and creativity in the final third. Ronaldo, who at 41 years and 132 days became the oldest player ever to start a World Cup match, found himself tightly marked and largely isolated. The veteran forward was unable to make a decisive impact as DR Congo's defense remained disciplined and organized.
The turning point came deep into first-half stoppage time. Having absorbed sustained Portuguese pressure, DR Congo struck from a set piece. Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa rose highest to power a header past Diogo Costa, scoring his nation's first-ever World Cup goal and sending the Congolese supporters into celebration. The goal leveled the match at 1-1 just before halftime and shifted momentum dramatically.
The second half saw Portugal continue to monopolize possession, but their attacking play became increasingly predictable. DR Congo looked the more dangerous side on the counterattack and came close to taking the lead on several occasions. Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu was denied by a crucial defensive intervention, while the African side repeatedly exposed gaps in Portugal's defense.
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Ronaldo's frustrations grew as the match wore on. He missed a pair of opportunities inside the penalty area and finished the game without a goal. Statistics highlighted Portugal's inefficiency, with their only shot on target being João Neves' early goal despite dominating possession for long periods.
When the final whistle sounded, DR Congo celebrated a landmark achievement. The draw earned them their first-ever World Cup point and marked a remarkable return to the tournament after a 52-year absence. For Portugal, however, the result raised serious questions about their attacking effectiveness and reliance on Ronaldo as they prepare for crucial upcoming group matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Although the headlines before kickoff focused on Ronaldo's historic milestone, the story of the day belonged to DR Congo. Through determination, defensive discipline, and clinical finishing when it mattered most, they secured one of the biggest results in their football history and left Group K wide open after the first round of matches.