Portugal were left disappointed as they opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Roberto Martinez’s side had hoped to start with a statement victory to set the tone in Group K, but instead, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates were pegged back by Yoane Wissa’s equalizer in first-half stoppage time, canceling out Joao Neves’ early opener.
Early Lead for Portugal
The diminutive midfielder ghosted in to glance home a header inside six minutes, giving the Euro 2016 winners the perfect start at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. A drab first period ensued, with Portugal—knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago—knocking the ball around at will, ending the first 45 minutes with 80 percent possession. But they went in at the interval level after Wissa was allowed a free header from a wide free kick, powering beyond Diogo Costa to send Sebastien Desabre's side into the break all-square.
Second-Half Efforts
Martinez got into his players and demanded they up the tempo in the second half, introducing the pacey Francisco Conceicao down the right flank to inject some impetus. He did so, producing two cut-backs for veteran striker Ronaldo in the middle, but the 41-year-old—who made history by becoming the oldest ever outfield player at a World Cup—could not convert either. Joao Cancelo, the former Manchester City defender, thought he had re-established his side’s lead when he tucked home from Joao Neves’ chest-down after a delicious Bruno Fernandes delivery, but the flag was up to keep the scores level.
Late Pressure
Goncalo Ramos, who struck three goals as a super sub at the last tournament, was thrown on by Martinez with seven minutes to spare as Portugal threw the kitchen sink at their African opponents in a 4-2-4 shape. However, they could not muster that winning goal and were forced to settle for a point. They face Uzbekistan back in Houston next before rounding off their group stage against Colombia.
