World Cup 2026: Resilient DR Congo Hold Off Ronaldo's Portugal Onslaught
Portugal failed to break down a courageous DR Congo despite overwhelming dominance, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Both goals came in the first half.
Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by a resolute DR Congo on Wednesday in Houston, despite dominating possession with around 75% of the ball. The Portuguese side, led by 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, started brightly when João Neves headed in from a Pedro Neto cross in the sixth minute. However, DR Congo replied just before halftime: Yoane Wissa headed home in the 45th minute of added time after a pinpoint cross.
Portugal controlled the game with fluid passing and technical superiority, constantly running the Congolese defenders out of position. DR Congo's early danger came from Wissa, who sent a header inches wide in the 11th minute, and Bakambu, whose mid-range effort was blocked. The African side remained dangerous on the break, but struggled to connect their passes in the final third.
In the second half, Portugal introduced Francisco Conceição for Bernardo Silva, and later Rafael Leão and Nélson Semedo. A VAR review disallowed João Cancelo's goal for offside in the 55th minute. Ronaldo missed a golden chance in the 69th minute, shooting just wide after controlling a pass inside the box. In the 74th minute, his effort was blocked. Bruno Fernandes came agonizingly close in stoppage time, firing just wide from the edge of the box.
The draw leaves Group K wide open, with Colombia and Uzbekistan also in the group. Both Portugal and DR Congo will need to improve to advance to the knockout stages.
