World Cup 2026: DR Congo Draws With Portugal As Wissa Nets Historic Goal

Yoane Wissa wrote history for DR Congo with the country’s first World Cup goal, securing a 1-1 draw against Portugal in their Group K opener at Houston Stadium, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s record chase stalled and one of the tournament favourites dropped early points.

Joao Neves had struck in the sixth minute to put Portugal ahead, but Sebastien Desabre’s side resisted sustained pressure and struck back on the stroke of half-time. Both teams then created clear chances after the break, yet neither found a decisive second goal in an open and tense finish.

Ronaldo entered the match chasing two separate milestones. All attention before kick-off centred on Ronaldo becoming only the second player to appear at six World Cups, matching Lionel Messi, and also attempting to become the first footballer to score in six editions of the tournament.

The forward could not add to that scoring record, but still reached another landmark. At 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, adding another entry to a long list of achievements, even as Portugal’s performance failed to convince.

Portugal’s early breakthrough followed a well-worked move down the left. Pedro Neto lifted a looping cross into the centre, where Neves climbed above the defence and guided a header across goal and in, then dedicated the finish to Diogo Jota as Portugal appeared set for a routine evening.

DR Congo grew into the contest after that setback. Wissa fired a low attempt narrowly past the post, while Edo Kayembe’s bouncing effort was gathered safely by Diogo Costa. Despite long spells without the ball, DR Congo restricted Portugal to few clear openings and waited patiently for set-piece opportunities.

The equaliser arrived in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time from a rehearsed corner routine. After a short delivery, Arthur Masuaku swung a deep cross towards the far post, where an unmarked Wissa powered a header into the roof of the net, the final touch before the interval.

World Cup clash Portugal vs DR Congo: Disallowed goal and missed openings

Portugal briefly believed they had restored their advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Neves controlled another Bruno Fernandes cross on his chest before Joao Cancelo’s overhead kick found the net, but replays showed Cancelo had moved offside earlier in the move and the goal was cancelled.

DR Congo then almost turned the game around. Cedric Bakambu battled for a loose ball on the right of the area and struck the near post, though play was brought back for a foul in the build-up. Later, Bakambu dragged another chance wide, highlighting Portugal’s unease in defence.

Ronaldo had two half-chances to mark the occasion with a goal, both prodded shots drifting past the upright. As Portugal searched for control, DR Congo continued to threaten from transitions, suggesting the African side’s approach carried genuine attacking intent rather than pure defence-first tactics.

World Cup clash Portugal vs DR Congo: Long wait ends for Leopards

Wissa’s header carried special weight for DR Congo. The nation returned to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, having last appeared as Zaire, and this goal finally arrived with their 32nd attempt at the tournament, ending a wait stretching across generations of players and supporters.

Historical notes also surrounded Neves’s contribution. At 21 years and 263 days, Neves became the third-youngest Portugal player to score at a World Cup, behind Ronaldo at 21 years and 132 days in 2006, and Goncalo Ramos at 21 years and 169 days in 2022, underlining changing roles in Portugal’s attack.

Desabre’s team finished with higher xG and more shots, suggesting DR Congo may feel frustrated not to claim a famous win. Portugal, viewed among the favourites to lift the trophy, laboured across long spells, leaving Group K finely poised after a World Cup meeting that blended history with missed chances.