FIFA World Cup 2026 — DR Congo holds Portugal to a 1-1 draw; POR vs COD player ratings

Portugal and its talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after the Democratic Republic of Congo fought back on Wednesday to earn a 1-1 draw in the African country’s return to the World Cup after 52 years.

It looked like it would be a long afternoon for DR Congo, with Portugal taking the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto crossed for Joao Neves to head home.

It gave one of the pre-tournament favorites the perfect start, but ended up as the only attempt on target in the match.

Portugal, led by 41-year-old Ronaldo looking to score in his sixth World Cup, dominated possession as DR Congo sat back and took the pressure for much of the match, looking to attack on the counter in the Group K match.

DR Congo grew into the match and was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when an unmarked Yoane Wissa scored the African country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup when he headed in a cross that was headed into Arthur Masuaku’s penalty area.

Portugal came out with more urgency for the second half after an opening period that lacked intensity and at times looked more like a training session, with their formidable midfield passing the ball around but showing nothing.

Cedric Bakambu nearly upset the post when he hit the post for the Congolese in the second period, while Ronaldo fired twice wide from close range as he made his appearance in a sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo, who became the oldest player to ever start a World Cup match, was largely ineffective and saw little of the ball as DR Congo defenders denied him space to operate inside the penalty area.

Debutant Uzbekistan will take on Colombia in the second Group K match later on Wednesday in Mexico City.

Published on June 18, 2026