World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal stunned as Yoane Wissa’s historic equalizer earns DR Congo first World Cup point in 52 years

Updated on
June 17, 2026

**© Getty Images**Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR

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.

Joao Neves #15 of Portugal celebrates after scoring

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.

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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.

Yoane Wissa #20 of Congo DR celebrates scoring

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.

03:05PM

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.

03:00PM

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.

02:57PM

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.

02:56PM

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!

02:55PM

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.

02:52PM

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.

02:50PM

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.

02:47PM

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.

02:43PM

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!

02:40PM

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.

02:38PM

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!

02:36PM

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.

02:33PM

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!

02:32PM

68' – Tensions rising in Houston (1-1)

Tempers are starting to boil over as Portugal expresses frustration after Kayembe’s challenge on Pedro Neto, with emotions spilling over on both sides. Yoane Wissa is also involved in a heated exchange with several Portugal players, adding to the growing intensity of this fiercely contested second half.

02:27PM

63' – DR Congo threatens again (1-1)

Steve Kapuadi rises well to meet the delivery and gets a solid header on target, but it drifts just wide of the right post!

02:22PM

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.

02:21PM

57' – DR Congo comes so close to taking the lead! (1-1)

Cedric Bakambu latches onto a clever pass inside the box and does everything right with the control, but his effort comes back off the right post! What a huge chance that was to put DR Congo ahead, with Portugal let off the hook in this thrilling second half.

02:20PM

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.

02:18PM

53' – DR Congo stay alert at the back (1-1)

Nuno Mendes floats a dangerous pass into the box, but the DR Congo defence reacts quickly and clears the danger before any Portuguese attacker can get a clean touch.

02:16PM

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.

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02:12PM

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.

02:10PM

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.

02:10PM

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.

01:54PM

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.

01:53PM

45+5' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR DR CONGO! (1-01)

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01:50PM

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.

01:47PM

45' – Four minutes added on (1-0)

The fourth official signals four additional minutes at the end of the first half.

01:46PM

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.

01:39PM

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.

01:33PM

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.

01:30PM

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.

01:21PM

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.

01:16PM

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.

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01:12PM

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.

01:09PM

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.

01:02PM

The game has started!

Referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim blows his whistle, and the game is underway!

12:50PM

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.

12:40PM

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.

12:15PM

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.

12:00PM

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.

General view inside the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR

11:55AM

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.

11:45AM

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

11:45AM

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

11:33AM

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.

11:20AM

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.

11:00AM

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.