Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup at NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday evening.
The game delivered plenty of drama right from the start. Portugal took the lead early with a well-worked goal.
João Neves rose highest to head home a cross from Pedro Neto in the sixth minute. The young midfielder was making his World Cup debut.
DR Congo showed great spirit and refused to sit back as they defended with discipline throughout the first half. In the dying moments of the first half, DR Congo found their equaliser through Yoane Wissa’s powerful header in the 45+5th minute, delivered by Arthur Masuaku’s dangerous corner.
It was DR Congo’s first-ever goal at a World Cup. Wissa’s strike came on his tournament debut and sparked huge celebrations among the African players and fans.
This result marked DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after 52 years, having last appeared only in 1974 as Zaire. A point against a strong Portugal side felt like a victory for the Leopards.
At the other end, Neves wrote his name into Portuguese history. At 21 years and 263 days, he became the third-youngest scorer for Portugal at a World Cup.
He trails Gonçalo Ramos, who scored at 21 years and 169 days old during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Ramos netted a hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16.
He also trails teenage Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored at 21 years and 132 days in the 2006 World Cup. Ronaldo found the net from the penalty spot against Iran on 17 June 2006.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, starting Wednesday’s match at 41 years old, equalled Lionel Messi by appearing in a sixth different World Cup – the joint-most for any individual.
Portugal controlled much of the ball in the second half but could not find a winner against DR Congo’s solid defence. The draw gave both teams something to build on as the group stage continues. It was a night full of historic moments.
