Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener on Wednesday, June 17, in Houston. João Neves headed the Seleção in front inside the opening ten minutes, but Yoane Wissa’s header deep into first-half stoppage time earned the Leopards a result for the history books — their first ever goal and their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup.

First Half: Early Lead, Late Equaliser

Roberto Martinez’s side made the ideal start. Just six minutes in, João Neves rose to head home Pedro Neto’s inviting cross, giving Portugal a comfortable platform to build from. However, DR Congo had no intention of sitting back.

Around the tenth minute, Wissa curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide of Diogo Costa’s goal — a clear signal that the Leopards had come to compete. Portugal, meanwhile, failed to extend their advantage, and the game began to turn in the final stages of the half.

The equaliser came deep into first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku floated a cross from the left, and Wissa powered a header beyond Costa at 45+5′ to make it 1-1. In doing so, DR Congo scored their first ever FIFA World Cup goal — a milestone 52 years in the making. As Zaire in 1974, the nation contested three group-stage games without finding the net. Therefore, Wissa’s strike was far more than just an equaliser; it was a defining moment in Congolese football history.

Second Half: Cancelled Joy and Mounting Frustration

Portugal came out with clear intent after the break. João Cancelo’s spectacular overhead kick looked set to restore the lead, but the assistant referee’s flag cut the celebrations short — ruled out for offside.

From that moment, frustration crept visibly into Portugal’s play. Martinez made changes in search of the winner, yet the breakthrough never arrived. DR Congo defended with organisation and threatened on the counter, while Portugal — for all the quality in their squad — lacked the sharpness to break down a resolute Congolese backline. The final whistle confirmed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament’s opening days.

The Ronaldo Question

Cristiano Ronaldo, among the oldest outfield players to start a match at this World Cup, had a difficult evening. He found space rarely, created little, and ended the game without contributing to the scoreline — extending a well-documented run of goalless appearances in major tournament football.

After the final whistle, Roberto Martinez pushed back firmly on questions about his captain. “It makes no sense to get the best world scorer to be out when you need goals,” the Portugal coach told reporters, per AP and Fox Sports. Ronaldo, for his part, responded on social media with measured defiance: “Not the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game.”

The debate is unlikely to fade. With Colombia already two points clear at the top of Group K, Portugal need a sharper response — and quickly. For further context on Portugal’s tournament prospects and odds, see our Portugal 2026 World Cup guide.

A Landmark Night for DR Congo

For the Leopards, this result carries genuine weight. Their first World Cup point. Their first World Cup goal. A performance that demonstrated they belong at this level. Wissa’s header — celebrated wildly in Houston and, undoubtedly, across Kinshasa — will live in the memory of Congolese football long after this tournament ends.

In addition, the manner of the equaliser deserves credit. DR Congo did not stumble into the goal; they built patiently from deep, moved the ball with purpose, and delivered a quality cross at the critical moment. For more on Group K’s contenders and what to expect next, visit our Group K preview and betting guide.

Group K Standings After Matchday One

Elsewhere on the same matchday, Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City, going top of Group K. As a result, the standings after matchday one are as follows:

Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
Colombia	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2	3
Portugal	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
DR Congo	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	1
Uzbekistan	1	0	0	1	1	3	−2	0

Colombia’s strong start means Portugal cannot afford another slip in their remaining group games. A win against Uzbekistan on June 23 is now effectively a must if they are to stay in control of their own qualification fate.

What Comes Next for Group K

Portugal face Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston, while DR Congo take on Colombia in their second group fixture. Both results will significantly reshape the qualification picture. For Portugal, Uzbekistan represent a winnable match — yet that framing is precisely the kind of complacency this draw should warn against.

For DR Congo, facing Colombia will be a sterner examination. However, this performance proves they are capable of causing problems for any opponent in the group. Check our 2026 World Cup betting tips for updated odds and predictions as Group K unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score in Portugal vs DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup?

The match finished 1-1. João Neves scored for Portugal in the 6th minute, and Yoane Wissa equalised for DR Congo at 45+5′ in first-half stoppage time.

Who scored for DR Congo against Portugal?

Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s equaliser — a powerful header from an Arthur Masuaku cross in first-half stoppage time. It was the first goal in DR Congo’s World Cup history.

Where does Group K stand after matchday one?

Colombia lead with 3 points after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. Portugal and DR Congo are level on 1 point each, while Uzbekistan sit bottom with 0 points after their opening defeat.