By Boluwatife Oshadiya | June 18, 2026
Key Points
- DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years
- Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal
- Portugal extended a poor run in World Cup opening fixtures with just one win from their last five openers
Main Story
Democratic Republic of Congo produced one of the early surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group K fixture.
Portugal made an ideal start when João Neves headed home from Pedro Neto’s cross within the opening six minutes. The goal marked Neves’ fourth strike in his last two competitive international appearances and appeared to put Roberto Martínez’s side on course for a comfortable victory.
However, DR Congo gradually settled into the contest. Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu both threatened as the African side grew in confidence despite seeing little possession.
Portugal controlled much of the ball but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut opportunities. Their inability to extend the lead proved costly just before halftime when Wissa rose unmarked from a corner to score DR Congo’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
The second half saw Portugal increase the pressure. João Cancelo thought he had restored the lead with an acrobatic finish, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing at a sixth World Cup tournament, also came close but failed to convert a late opportunity.
DR Congo remained dangerous on the counterattack and nearly snatched victory through Bakambu before both sides settled for a point.
The result represents a remarkable turnaround for DR Congo, who lost all three matches and failed to score during their previous World Cup appearance in 1974.
What’s Being Said
“The players showed discipline and belief against one of the world’s strongest teams,” DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said after the match.
“We controlled possession but lacked efficiency in the final third,” Portugal manager Roberto Martínez said.
What’s Next
- Portugal will seek their first win of the tournament in their second Group K fixture.
- DR Congo face another crucial group-stage match that could strengthen their qualification hopes.
- Group rivals Uzbekistan and Colombia are set to continue the battle for qualification places.
The Bottom Line: DR Congo’s disciplined display delivered one of the tournament’s first shocks. For Portugal, the draw raises questions about an attack expected to be among the most dangerous in the competition.
