HOUSTON, Texas – Portugal’s campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026 began with a surprising setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient DR Congo side at NRG Stadium. Entering the tournament as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Roberto Martínez’s squad controlled long stretches of the Group K opener but ultimately failed to secure all three points against an African nation making its first appearance on the world stage in over five decades. Labendeer
The Seleção enjoyed a dream opening sequence, breaking the deadlock after just six minutes. Winger Pedro Neto delivered an inch-perfect cross into the penalty area, allowing young midfielder João Neves to guide a brilliant header into the far corner for his fourth international goal. Despite establishing early territorial dominance, Portugal allowed their attacking intensity to drop rather than pushing for a commanding cushion. DR Congo capitalised on this complacency deep into first-half stoppage time when Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa ghosted in unmarked to glance home a teasing Arthur Masuaku cross in the 45+5th minute. Portugal thought they had restored their advantage shortly after the interval when João Cancelo executed a spectacular bicycle kick, but the goal was quickly chalked off for offside.Labendeer
The fixture marked a historic milestone for captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to ever start a match in World Cup history at 41 years and 132 days old. The appearance was Ronaldo’s 23rd in the tournament, moving him into joint-fourth place on the all-time list alongside Italian defensive icon Paolo Maldini. However, it proved to be a frustrating outing on the pitch for the legendary forward, who struggled to establish authority against a physical Congolese backline and finished the match with just 29 touches. Ronaldo missed two glorious second-half opportunities to secure a winner, shanking consecutive close-range cutbacks from substitute Francisco Conceição wide of the right post in the 68th and 73rd minutes.Labendeer
Following the final whistle, Ronaldo defended the team’s flat performance to Sport TV Portugal, stating, “Nothing was missing, football is like this. Portugal could have won but it could also have lost, it could have gone either way.” Manager Roberto Martínez echoed a philosophical tone, adding that whilst the team lost some fluency in possession after the opening goal, he remained “very satisfied with the team’s attitude” and commitment. Portugal will have a chance to get their World Cup ambitions back on track when they return to Houston to face Uzbekistan on Tuesday.Labendeer
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