Portugal 1-1 DR Congo | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group K | NRG Stadium, Houston | June 17, 2026
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the World Cup group stage so far, DR Congo snatched a stunning last-gasp equalizer to hold Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Yoane Wissa’s stoppage-time strike in the fifth minute of added time cancelled out João Neves’ early opener, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal side frustrated and Group K wide open.
A Perfect Start for Portugal
Portugal made the ideal start when João Neves headed home in just the 6th minute, connecting brilliantly with an outswinging cross from Pedro Neto to give the Europeans an early advantage. The goal was confirmed after a brief VAR check, sending the Portugal fans inside NRG Stadium into raptures and setting the tone for what looked like a dominant performance.
Portugal controlled possession throughout the first half, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield. The Manchester United captain produced a sublime ball over the defence in the 19th minute, but a combination of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s timely intervention and sharp goalkeeping from Lionel Mpasi denied Nuno Mendes a second. Bernardo Silva picked up a yellow card before the break, but Portugal remained firmly in the driving seat.
DR Congo Fight Back Brilliantly
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez made a bold change at halftime, introducing Francisco Conceição in place of Bernardo Silva to inject more energy and creativity. Despite Portugal’s dominance, DR Congo refused to be broken. The Leopards, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, showed remarkable resilience, organisation and quality throughout the second half.
Their hard work was rewarded in dramatic fashion. Deep into stoppage time, in the 90th+5th minute, Yoane Wissa pounced to fire home a stunning equalizer that silenced the Portugal supporters and sparked wild celebrations among the DR Congo players and fans. It was a moment of pure World Cup magic — the kind of result that reminds everyone why this tournament is the greatest show on earth.
Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Begins With a Point
For Cristiano Ronaldo, this match marked the beginning of what is widely expected to be his sixth and final World Cup campaign. The 41-year-old legend wore the captain’s armband with his usual pride and determination, but the Selecção could not find the decisive second goal to put the game to bed — a lapse in concentration that cost them dearly.
The result leaves Group K delicately poised. Portugal sit on just one point alongside DR Congo, while Colombia and Uzbekistan play their opener next. Portugal’s next match comes against Uzbekistan on June 23, while DR Congo face Colombia. A stumble in the opening game means Portugal cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to cruise through to the knockout rounds.
Match Verdict
DR Congo’s point was fully deserved. They were organised, resilient and clinical at the crucial moment. For Portugal, it is a wake-up call — they created enough chances to win the game comfortably but failed to take them. Ronaldo and company must be sharper in front of goal when they face Uzbekistan next week.
⚽ Scorers: João Neves 6′ (Portugal) | Yoane Wissa 90+5′ (DR Congo)
🟨 Yellow Cards: Bernardo Silva (Portugal)
📍 Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
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