Portugal took the lead with an early goal from Joao Neves, but Yoan Wissa equalized in first-half stoppage time.
Published June 17, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) drew 1-1 with Portugal in Group K, earning their first point in a football final.
On Wednesday, Yoan Ouissa’s header canceled out Joao Neves’ first-half goal and the African team more than held its own as they played in their first World Cup since 1974, when their country was known as Zaire.
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Portugal’s Ronaldo, 41, was mostly on the sidelines throughout the match and failed to make the impact of his great rival Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick against Algeria on Tuesday.
The DRC’s achievement was even greater given that preparations were disrupted by the Ebola outbreak in the country.
Some of Portugal’s players were wearing wristbands given to them by Montenegro Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in honor of their late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident last year.
Portugal got off to a perfect start, with Neves scoring a header from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute.
However, despite showing overwhelming possession, they lacked sharpness, and their opponents paid the price well before they could score another goal in the first half.
Wissa stood up unmarked and beat Diogo Costa to score Portugal’s goal, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch, on the bench and among Congolese fans in the stadium as the Newcastle forward scored his country’s first goal at the World Cup.
Pepe, a former Portuguese defender who watched from the VIP seats, seemed unimpressed.
Bernardo Silva started the day by joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, but finished the game watching from the bench after manager Roberto Martinez sent him off at half-time.
He briefly rose to his feet amidst celebration when João Cancelo’s overhead kick hit the back of the net, but was ruled out for offside.
But the Congolese were no match for the Portuguese, with 35-year-old veteran striker Cedric Bakambu shrugging off Bruno Fernandes, but his shot was deflected at the near post.
Ronaldo finally got his chance to shine after being given a chance by Francisco Conceição’s pass. But he blurred the line and sent it flying wide of the post.
A few minutes later, the same combination connected again, with Conceição, a much more active presence than Silva, teeing up Ronaldo. However, the result was the same again, the ball missed the target.
Portugal thought they had at least earned a corner kick, but they were not given one and Conceição slammed the ball into the ground in frustration at not being able to take the lead and get the three points.
