DR Congo Hold Portugal as Ronaldo Misfires

TDT | Manama

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.

The result earned DR Congo their first-ever World Cup point in a performance that matched, and at times unsettled, one of the tournament favourites.

Portugal made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes at Houston Stadium. João Neves continued his impressive rise with a well-placed header from Pedro Neto’s inviting cross.

Despite dominating possession and finishing the first half with 80 percent of the ball, Roberto Martinez's side struggled to convert that control into meaningful attacking opportunities. DR Congo, meanwhile, posed a genuine threat on the counterattack and registered six shots before the break — three times as many as Portugal.

The Leopards were rewarded moments before halftime when Yoane Wissa guided a header beyond Diogo Costa to level the score at 1-1, netting DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Portugal thought they had restored their lead nine minutes into the second half when João Cancelo acrobatically found the net with a bicycle kick. However, the effort was correctly ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Much of the pre-match attention centred on Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old entered the match under the spotlight after Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, scored a stunning hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria the previous night. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland had also opened their tournaments with braces, adding intrigue to the early Golden Boot race.

Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to put Portugal back in front with 20 minutes remaining. A pass arriving slightly behind him disrupted his control, and the ball ricocheted awkwardly off his leg before rolling wide of the post.

Minutes later, a superb through ball from Bruno Fernandes split the DR Congo defence and created another opening for Ronaldo, but the veteran forward was quickly closed down and could only send a tame effort wide.

Neither side created a clear-cut chance in the closing stages. Portugal pushed for a winner, but DR Congo’s discipline ensured the scores remained level.

Portugal will still be expected to top Group K, but there are clear areas for improvement. Despite controlling possession, they lacked cutting edge in the final third and will need to be more clinical as the tournament progresses.

DR Congo, meanwhile, have already made history. Having secured both their first World Cup goal and point, the Leopards will believe they have a genuine chance of reaching the Round of 32.