FIFA WC 2026: Portugal held 1-1 by Congo DR as Ronaldo fails to score in Houston
Synopsis
Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were held to a shock 1-1 draw by Congo DR in Houston — managing just one shot on target despite dominating possession. Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match but couldn't score, while Yoane Wissa's header gave the Leopards their first-ever World Cup goal and point, 52 years after their debut.
Key Takeaways
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match at Houston Stadium on 18 June .
Joao Neves opened the scoring in the 6th minute ; Yoane Wissa equalised with a header on the stroke of half-time.
It was Congo DR's first-ever World Cup goal and point , coming 52 years after their debut at the 1974 tournament .
Cristiano Ronaldo , aged 41 years and 132 days , became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match .
Ronaldo's 23rd World Cup appearance placed him fourth on the all-time list, level with Paolo Maldini .
Portugal had just one shot on target in the entire match despite dominating possession.
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Congo DR in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener at Houston Stadium on Wednesday, 18 June, in a result that will concern the former European champions. Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, could not find the net as the Leopards claimed their first-ever World Cup point.
Key Developments
Joao Neves gave Portugal the lead as early as the sixth minute, rising to head Pedro Neto's inviting left-wing cross past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Portugal dominated the early exchanges but their dominance in possession did not translate into meaningful chances — they managed just one shot on target across the entire ninety minutes.
Yoane Wissa levelled for Congo DR on the stroke of half-time, powering a header home from Arthur Masuaku's floated cross. It was a historic moment: Congo DR's first-ever World Cup goal, arriving 52 years after the nation made their debut at the 1974 tournament.
Ronaldo's Historic Milestone
Despite the disappointing result, Ronaldo made history on a personal level. At 41 years and 132 days, he became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. It was also his 23rd World Cup appearance, placing him fourth on the all-time appearances list, level with Italian great Paolo Maldini.
Ronaldo also became the second-oldest outfield player to appear at a World Cup, behind Roger Milla, who was 42 years and 39 days old when he represented Cameroon against Russia on 28 June 1994. The Portuguese captain fired two half-chances wide and finished the match without adding to his tally of eight World Cup goals.
Congo DR's Defensive Masterclass
The Leopards, returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, defended in numbers and restricted Portugal to minimal attacking threat. Centre-back Steve Kapuadi headed wide from a set-piece as Congo DR pressed for a winner themselves. Joao Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal's lead shortly after the restart with a spectacular overhead kick, but was ruled offside.
Group K Outlook
Portugal remain expected to progress from Group K alongside Colombia and Uzbekistan, but Wednesday's result piles pressure on Roberto Martinez's side to sharpen their attack in subsequent fixtures. This comes amid the broader narrative of the tournament's opening round, where several fancied sides have dropped points against lower-ranked opponents. For Congo DR, the point — and the goal — marks a watershed moment in their footballing history.
Point of View
But it also raises the question of whether a 41-year-old, however iconic, can carry the goal-scoring burden when the knockout rounds arrive. Congo DR's point is a genuine achievement, but Portugal's group is forgiving enough that this draw will likely be a footnote — unless the attack fails to fire against Colombia or Uzbekistan.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Portugal vs Congo DR at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal and Congo DR drew 1-1 in their Group K match at Houston Stadium on 18 June 2026. Joao Neves scored for Portugal in the 6th minute, and Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo DR on the stroke of half-time.
Did Cristiano Ronaldo score against Congo DR?
No, Cristiano Ronaldo did not score against Congo DR. He fired two half-chances wide and finished the match without adding to his eight World Cup goals. He remains on 8 World Cup goals heading into Portugal's next fixture.
What record did Ronaldo set at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
At 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. It was his 23rd World Cup appearance, placing him fourth on the all-time list alongside Italian great Paolo Maldini.
What is the significance of Congo DR's result against Portugal?
Congo DR earned their first-ever World Cup point and scored their first-ever World Cup goal, 52 years after making their tournament debut in 1974. Yoane Wissa's header on the stroke of half-time secured the historic draw.
How does the draw affect Portugal's chances in Group K?
Portugal are still expected to progress from Group K, which also contains Colombia and Uzbekistan. However, the draw — and particularly their single shot on target — has increased pressure on the side to improve their attacking output in subsequent matches.
