PORTUGAL HELD TO 1-1 DRAW BY DR CONGO IN GROUP K OPENER

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. João Neves gave Portugal an early lead with a header in the sixth minute. Yoane Wissa equalised for DR Congo just before half-time, heading in Arthur Masuaku's cross to score his country's first-ever World Cup goal. Despite controlling 75 per cent of possession, Portugal failed to build on their initial advantage and could not find a winning goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo featured in the match but endured a frustrating evening. The forward struggled against DR Congo's five-man defensive structure and registered only two shots on target throughout the ninety minutes. Ronaldo missed two chances from Francisco Conceição's cut-backs in the second half. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão also struggled to break down DR Congo's organised defence, with Neves' opening header proving Portugal's only shot on target.

DR Congo demonstrated discipline and defensive organisation despite limited possession. Cédric Bakambu created additional threats on the counter-attack, and the African side's positional play limited Portugal's attacking creativity. The result leaves Portugal without a victory from their World Cup opener, whilst DR Congo secured a draw in their maiden World Cup appearance.