Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign began with frustration rather than celebration as Cristiano Ronaldo and company were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday.
Coming into the tournament with high expectations, Portugal looked in control after Joao Neves handed them an early lead. However, a resilient DR Congo side fought back to snatch a deserved point, exposing some familiar concerns for Roberto Martinez’s men.
While Lionel Messi had earlier grabbed headlines with a hat-trick for Argentina, the spotlight shifted to Ronaldo, who was unable to inspire Portugal to victory despite playing the full match.
Joao Neves gives Portugal dream start
Portugal dominated possession from the opening whistle and found the breakthrough in the sixth minute.
Pedro Neto delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, and Joao Neves rose highest to head home, giving Portugal a deserved early advantage.
The goal appeared to settle the European side, who controlled large spells of possession. Bruno Fernandes orchestrated attacks from midfield, while Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo pushed aggressively from wide areas.
Despite their dominance, Portugal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against DR Congo’s organised defensive structure.
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DR Congo punish Portugal before half-time
The African side gradually grew into the contest and started threatening on the counterattack.
Their persistence paid off in stoppage time of the first half when Yoane Wissa headed home from a superb delivery, stunning the Portuguese supporters in Houston.
The equaliser completely shifted the momentum heading into the interval.
DR Congo continued to defend with discipline in the second half while also creating dangerous moments of their own through Cedric Bakambu and Wissa.
Portugal, meanwhile, looked increasingly frustrated as their passing failed to unlock the opposition defence.
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Ronaldo’s big miss sums up Portugal’s struggles
The defining moment arrived in the 68th minute.
Substitute Francisco Conceicao burst into the penalty box and pulled the ball back for Ronaldo, who finally had a clear sight of goal. However, the Portuguese captain failed to adjust properly and dragged his effort wide.
It was his best chance of the evening and one he would normally expect to convert.
Martinez introduced more attacking options, including Goncalo Ramos and Rafael Leao, but Portugal could not find a winner.
The draw leaves Portugal with work to do in Group G ahead of crucial fixtures against Belgium and Egypt, while DR Congo can take immense confidence from earning a valuable point in their first World Cup appearance in more than five decades.
