Portugal held 1-1 by DR Congo in 2026 World Cup opener in Houston

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal made a disappointing start to its 2026 World Cup campaign, drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a Group Eleven match in Houston on Wednesday. The game drew heavy attention as Cristiano Ronaldo appeared at his sixth World Cup. Portugal struck early through João Neves, who headed in from a Pedro Neto corner in the 6th minute. DR Congo responded before halftime, leveling in stoppage time when Yoane Wissa flicked on a cross from Arthur Masuaku to mark a historic moment in the country's return to the World Cup after a long absence. Despite fielding a squad that also included Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva alongside Ronaldo, Portugal struggled to create sustained attacking threat after the opening goal. The team was unable to break down a Congolese side that absorbed pressure and managed the game's tempo through the second half. Portugal will next face Uzbekistan on June 23 before meeting Colombia on June 27. DR Congo will play Colombia and Uzbekistan in its remaining group fixtures.