Portugal Stumbles Against Congo at the Start of Their World Cup Campaign

The Portuguese national team settled for a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, in a match held at the NRG Stadium.

The Portuguese team took the lead with a goal by João Neves in the 6th minute, after a cross from Pedro Neto, which the young player converted with a brilliant header into the net of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the 45+5 minute, the Democratic Republic of Congo equalized through Yoane Wissa, after a cross from Masuaku, which Wissa rose to and converted with a superb header into the Portuguese net.

In the second half, the Portuguese team intensified their attempts on the Congolese goal in an effort to score a second goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing two clear chances to score, and the Congolese team threatening Diogo Costa's goal on several occasions.

Bruno Fernandes almost snatched the winning goal with a shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went just wide of the post, allowing the minutes to tick away and the match to end in a 1-1 draw.

With this result, each team earned one point at the start of their tournament campaign.