Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their World Cup opener as Yoane Wissa cancelled out Joao Neves’ early goal in a spirited display from the African side.
Portugal got off to a disappointing start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Democratic Republic of Congo, who marked their return to football’s biggest stage with a resilient and impressive performance.
The UEFA Nations League champions appeared to be heading for a comfortable evening when Joao Neves struck inside the opening six minutes. The midfielder rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Pedro Neto and guided a neat header into the net, continuing his fine scoring form with a fourth goal in his last two competitive international matches.
𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗜𝗥𝗢: de João Neves e de Portugal no Mundial 2026 😘🏹 #VaiDarPortugal | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/TVhNZqAqZy
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 17, 2026
That early breakthrough suggested Portugal might dominate proceedings, but DR Congo quickly settled into the contest and showed they were not simply there to make up the numbers. Yoane Wissa fired narrowly wide before Cedric Bakambu tested the Portuguese defence as the Leopards began to grow into the game.
Portugal continued to enjoy the majority of possession, and Bruno Fernandes nearly helped double their advantage with a brilliant through ball that released Nuno Mendes. However, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi reacted sharply to keep the scoreline at 1-0 and give his side hope.
Despite boasting a wealth of attacking talent, Portugal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities after their early goal. DR Congo remained disciplined defensively and executed their game plan effectively, limiting Cristiano Ronaldo and company to very few meaningful openings.
Their determination was rewarded just before half-time when Wissa found himself completely unmarked from a corner kick. The Brentford forward powered a header beyond Diogo Costa to score DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal and send the African supporters into celebration. Considering they had only enjoyed 20 percent possession in the first half, the equaliser was thoroughly deserved.
Martinez attempted to spark a response after the break by introducing Francisco Conceicao, and Portugal looked more threatening.
Joao Cancelo thought he had restored the lead with an acrobatic finish, but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. Ronaldo also had a rare sight of goal, but he could not direct Conceicao’s pass into the corner.
As the game opened up late on, both sides searched for a winner. Bakambu struck the post for DR Congo, while Cancelo came close at the other end, but neither team could find a decisive breakthrough.
⏹️ 90+5′ Fim do jogo em Houston.#PORCOD | 1-1 | #VaiDarPortugal #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eePrJPsSW5
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 17, 2026
The result leaves DR Congo with plenty of optimism about their chances of progressing from Group K, while Portugal will need significant improvement in attack if they are to live up to their billing as one of the tournament favourites.
