Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2026 World Cup campaign began with disappointment as the Democratic Republic of Congo battled to a deserved 1-1 draw, claiming its first World Cup point in 52 years after a determined display. While Portugal arrived as the clear favorite, the African nation refused to be intimidated and produced one of the opening round’s biggest surprises.
The match could hardly have started better for Portugal. Joao Neves opened the scoring inside the opening six minutes, meeting a perfectly delivered cross from Pedro Neto with a precise header that left goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with little chance. The early breakthrough appeared to settle Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and the rest of the attacking unit looking ready to take control.
Instead of collapsing after conceding, DR Congo responded with remarkable confidence. Yoane Wissa narrowly missed with an early effort before Cedric Bakambu also threatened as the Leopards gradually found belief against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal still created opportunities through the creativity of Bruno Fernandes, whose excellent pass released Nuno Mendes, only for Mpasi to make an impressive save. Despite dominating possession, Portugal struggled to produce the cutting edge expected from a squad packed with attacking talent.
Yoane Wissa makes history with Cristiano Ronaldo unable to leave own mark
The reward for DR Congo‘s persistence arrived just before halftime. From a corner kick, Yoane Wissa escaped his marker and powered a header beyond Diogo Costa, scoring DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and leveling the contest at 1-1.
The equalizer represented far more than a goal. It was a historic moment for a nation making its first World Cup appearance since 1974, proving that disciplined defending and clinical finishing could trouble one of the tournament’s favorites despite enjoying only a small share of possession.
Portugal attempted to increase the tempo after the break, introducing Francisco Conceiçao to provide fresh attacking energy. The substitute immediately became involved, while Joao Cancelo briefly believed he had restored Portugal’s lead before his effort was ruled out for offside.
As the second half developed, Cristiano Ronaldo searched tirelessly for the decisive moment. The veteran forward finally received a dangerous pass inside the area but could not adjust his body quickly enough to steer the ball into the corner, leaving him still waiting for his first goal of a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Valuable point for both teams to build upon
When the referee brought the match to an end, DR Congo celebrated a memorable 1-1 draw that felt like a victory, while Portugal was left reflecting on an opportunity missed. The result immediately improves on DR Congo’s difficult World Cup campaign more than five decades ago, when it lost all three matches without scoring.
Portugal will expect to improve in its remaining Group K fixtures, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the attack alongside an immensely talented squad. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa’s historic equalizer will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the opening round, giving DR Congo genuine belief that qualification for the knockout stage is within reach.
Thanks for joining us!
That wraps up our live coverage of Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening Group K match at the 2026 World Cup. Thank you for following the action with us from start to finish. Be sure to stay with us for more comprehensive coverage of the rest of the tournament.
Full-time! (1-1)
The referee blows the final whistle, and the points are shared in Houston as Portugal and DR Congo play out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group K match of the 2026 World Cup. Joao Neves gave Portugal the lead before Yoane Wissa's dramatic first-half equaliser earned DR Congo a historic point.
90+2' – Portugal escape a red card! (1-1)
Tomas Araujo flies into a reckless challenge and is fortunate to avoid a red card, with the referee opting against reaching for his pocket! Portugal breathes a huge sigh of relief as the defender stays on the pitch.
90+1' – Bruno Fernandes comes close for Portugal! (1-1)
Bruno Fernandes finds himself completely unmarked after a cross on the edge of the box and gets his effort away, but it whistles just past the right post!
90' – Five minutes of added time (1-1)
The fourth official signals 5 minutes of added time as this thrilling Group K opener heads into a dramatic finale. With everything still level, both Portugal and DR Congo will be pushing hard for a late winner in what has been a fiercely contested second half.
88' – Nelson Semedo booked for Portugal (1-1)
Nelson Semedo goes into the referee’s book after being shown a yellow card for a foul committed earlier in the move. Portugal is getting increasingly frustrated as the game edges towards its final minutes.
85' – Another double substitution for DR Congo (1-1)
Sebastien Desabre responds with two late substitutions as Cedric Bakambu is replaced by Simon Banza, while Gedeon Kalulu comes on for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Fresh energy is added at both ends of the pitch as DR Congo look to hold firm and potentially snatch something late.
84' – Portugal makes another change (1-1)
The referee allows play to pause for a substitution as Vitinha is replaced by Goncalo Ramos for Portugal. A fresh attacking option is introduced as Portugal pushes for a late winner in this tightly balanced Group K encounter.
78' – Cedric Bakambu fires over! (1-1)
A swift DR Congo counter-attack opens up space for Cedric Bakambu, who gets a shot away from just outside the box. However, he fails to keep his effort down, and the ball sails well over the crossbar!
75' – Double change for DR Congo (1-1)
Sebastien Desabre makes another adjustment as Arthur Masuaku is replaced by Joris Kayembe for DR Congo. There is also a forced change in midfield, with Charles Pickel coming on after Edo Kayembe is unable to continue due to injury.
74' – Cristiano Ronaldo comes close again! (1-1)
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts quickest inside the box after a well-worked move, but his effort is bravely blocked by a defender, and Portugal is forced to settle for a corner!
72' – Double change for Portugal (1-1)
Roberto Martínez makes two attacking substitutions as Nuno Mendes is replaced by Nelson Semedo, while Pedro Neto makes way for Rafael Leao. Fresh legs and added attacking firepower for Portugal as they push for a breakthrough in this tightly balanced Group K clash.
69' – What a chance for Cristiano Ronaldo! (1-1)
Cristiano Ronaldo brings down a clever pass from Francisco Conceicao inside the box and quickly gets a shot away, but his effort drifts narrowly past the right post. Portugal comes within inches of retaking the lead in this tight encounter!
68' – Tensions rising in Houston (1-1)
63' – DR Congo threatens again (1-1)
57' – DR Congo makes its first change! (1-1)
Sebastien Desabre reacts quickly as Noah Sadiki replaces Ngal’ayel Mukau for DR Congo. A midfield adjustment aimed at keeping energy levels high after a lively start to the second half, with the game still finely poised in this Group K clash.
57' – DR Congo comes so close to taking the lead! (1-1)
55' – Portugal scores but goal ruled out for offside! (1-1)
Joao Cancelo thinks he has produced something spectacular with an overhead kick! However, the celebrations are cut short as the linesman raises his flag for offside. The referee confirms the decision, much to Cancelo’s frustration.
53' – DR Congo stay alert at the back (1-1)
Yoane Wissa follows Tim Cahill's footsteps
Yoane Wissa has etched his name into the record books, becoming the first Premier League player since 2006 to score a nation’s first-ever men’s World Cup goal, a feat last achieved by Tim Cahill. It’s a historic moment for DR Congo, with Wissa delivering on the biggest stage and writing a new chapter in the country’s soccer history.
49' – Portugal threaten early in the second half! (1-1)
Pedro Neto delivers a dangerous whipped cross into the box, and Francisco Conceicao does well to control it under pressure. He quickly sets himself for a shot, but a crucial defensive intervention comes at the last moment to block the effort and keep DR Congo level in this Group K battle.
Second half gets underway (1-1)
The half-time break is over and the second half is ready to get underway, with both Portugal and DR Congo returning to the pitch for what promises to be a decisive 45 minutes in this tightly balanced Group K clash. With everything still level at 1-1, the next goal could prove crucial in shaping the outcome of this opener.
46' – First substitution for Portugal (1-1)
Bernardo Silva makes way for Francisco Conceicao for Portugal. A fresh attacking option is introduced as Portugal looks to regain control at the start of the second half.
Halftime (1-1)
That is it for the first half as the referee brings proceedings to a close, with both sets of players now heading down the tunnel to their respective dressing rooms. It’s all square at the break after a dramatic finish to the opening 45 minutes.
Want to see how it all unfolded in real time? Watch the full video of Yoane Wissa’s late first-half equaliser as he stuns Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and brings DR Congo level right before the break. Stay with us for full match coverage, reaction, and all the key moments from this Group K showdown.
45+5' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR DR CONGO! (1-01)
It’s Yoane Wissa who levels the match right on half-time! He burst into the box to meet a perfectly whipped cross from Arthur Masuaku and finished superbly from close range, smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
A dramatic late equaliser sees DR Congo go into the break 1-1 with Portugal, completely changing the mood in Houston.
45+3' – DR Congo win a corner! (1-0)
Samuel Moutoussamy gets onto a loose pass on the edge of the box and fires off a quick effort, but it’s blocked by the Portugal defence. The rebound earns DR Congo a corner, offering a late chance to threaten before half-time.
45' – Four minutes added on (1-0)
The fourth official signals four additional minutes at the end of the first half.
45' – Total dominance from Portugal (1-0)
The numbers say it all as Portugal controls proceedings with a staggering 81:19 possession ratio, pinning DR Congo deep inside their own half.
39' – DR Congo holds firm (1-0)
Bruno Fernandes tries his luck from the edge of the box, but his powerful effort is bravely blocked by a defender in front of him. Portugal continues to pile on the pressure, yet DR Congo remains disciplined and determined to protect its narrow deficit.
32' – First yellow card for DR Congo (1-0)
Chancel Mbemba is shown a yellow card after finally testing the patience of referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim, with the defender punished for a late challenge earlier in the move.
29' – Portugal look to switch play! (1-0)
Joao Cancelo tries to pick out Cristiano Ronaldo with a forward pass, but he puts a bit too much power on it, and the ball runs through harmlessly.
18' – DR Congo on alert again (1-0)
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau reads the danger brilliantly and comes off his line to clear safely after Nuno Mendes threatens to latch onto a dangerous through ball just outside the box. Portugal continues to push forward, but DR Congo remains alert at the back.
13' – Early booking for Portugal! (1-0)
Bernardo Silva goes into the referee’s book after bringing down an opponent in midfield, with Abdulrahman Al Jassim making an easy decision to show the yellow card.
11' – Big early chance for DR Congo to equalize! (1-0)
What a moment that is for Yoane Wissa, who finds himself completely unmarked inside a dangerous position after meeting a well-delivered cross at the edge of the box. However, his effort flies just a whisker wide of the left post, giving Portugal an early warning in this Group K opener.
6' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR PORTUGAL! (1-0)
Portugal makes the perfect early breakthrough as Joao Neves puts the national team ahead 1-0 in the 6th minute! The midfielder latched onto a clever lofted pass from Pedro Neto and produced a composed finish, guiding a close-range header into the top right corner beyond the goalkeeper. It’s a dream start for Portugal, who immediately take control of the Group K opener.
The game has started!
Referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim blows his whistle, and the game is underway!
Get to know Portugal and DR Congo better
We have put together a detailed breakdown of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign, covering everything from tactical structure to key players and tournament expectations. As one of the strongest national teams in the competition, Portugal enters the World Cup with genuine title ambitions following its 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph. With Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the line alongside a world-class midfield core, this guide explores how Roberto Martínez’s side is built to challenge for global glory.
We have also produced a comprehensive guide to DR Congo’s return to the World Cup stage after 52 years, highlighting their tactical identity, key personnel, and qualification story. As one of the tournament’s underdogs, the Leopards arrive with a disciplined defensive system built around European-based players and a strong counterattacking approach. This preview breaks down how Sebastien Desabre has shaped a competitive, structured side ready to challenge stronger opposition in Group K.
What is DR Congo’s current FIFA World Ranking?
DR Congo currently sits 46th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, reflecting its steady rise in international soccer over recent years after climbing back from much lower positions in the past. With the 2026 World Cup underway, their results could still influence their position further depending on how they perform in Group K.
Who's the referee for Portugal vs DR Congo?
The referee for the 2026 World Cup Group K match between Portugal and DR Congo is Abdulrahman Al-Jassim.
Match Officials
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Qatar)
Assistant Referee 1: Taleb Al-Marri (Qatar)
Assistant Referee 2: Saud Al-Maqaleh (Qatar)
Fourth official: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
VAR: Khamis Al-Marri (Qatar)
Al-Jassim is one of the AFC’s most experienced officials and has overseen several high-profile international and club fixtures in recent years, including major continental and World Cup matches. This assignment adds another significant stage to his refereeing career, as he takes charge of a historic World Cup opener for DR Congo in Houston.
Where will Portugal vs DR Congo be played?
The match between Portugal and DR Congo will be played at Houston Stadium in Texas, United States, a modern venue known for hosting major international sporting events and large-scale soccer fixtures.
Opened in 2002 and boasting a capacity of 72,220, the multi-purpose venue is a massive fixture in American sports, serving as the home field for the NFL's Houston Texans and the world-famous Houston Rodeo.
With a strong soccer pedigree that includes previously hosting the 2016 Copa America Centenario and the MLS All-Star game, Houston Stadium is slated to host a total of seven matches throughout the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Why isn’t Ruben Dias playing for Portugal?
Rúben Dias will miss Portugal’s opening match against DR Congo due to a minor physical issue picked up in a recent warm-up fixture. The decision has been made as a precaution, with the staff unwilling to take any risks at this early stage of the tournament.
Portugal's starting lineup confirmed!
Head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the 11 players who'll start the game against DR Congo:
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Diogo Costa
DEF: João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes
MID: João Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
ATT: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
DR Congo's starting lineup confirmed!
Head coach Sebastien Desabre confirmed the 11 players who'll start the game against Portugal:
Formation: 5-3-2
GK: Lionel Mpasi
DEF: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Inonga Baka Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku
MID: Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Sadiki Mukau
ATT: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu
What is Portugal vs DR Congo's H2H record?
In men’s senior international football, Portugal and DR Congo have never met in a competitive or friendly match before their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K clash, meaning there is no official head-to-head record between the two nations.
This upcoming meeting in Houston will therefore be the first-ever encounter between Portugal and DR Congo at senior level, and their debut World Cup matchup against each other, with both sides writing a new chapter in their shared international history.
Kickoff time and how to watch
The game between Portugal and DR Congo will kick off at 1:00 PM (ET). You can watch this 2026 World Cup Group K game on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.
Portugal and DR Congo begin their Group K journey
Portugal and DR Congo get their Group K campaign underway as both national teams begin their quest for a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. Portugal enters the match as the group favorite, chasing a winning start behind captain Cristiano Ronaldo, while DR Congo returns to the World Cup after a 52-year absence and will be eager to make an immediate impact with a positive result in its tournament opener.
Stay with us throughout the evening as we bring you live updates, key moments, goals, and reaction from Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season