DR Congo defeat Portugal: Ronaldo underwhelms at the 2026 World Cup

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to influence the outcome of their 2026 World Cup opening match, which ended in a 1‑1 draw with DR Congo on Wednesday in Houston.

All focus was on Ronaldo, who was making his sixth World Cup appearance. The 41‑year‑old recorded only two awkward attempts in the 90 minutes he played.

Portugal opened the scoring when Joao Neves rose highest to head the ball into the net early in the first half.

DR Congo equalised before halftime, with Yohan Wissa heading past Diogo Costa to level the score.

The second half was a true back‑and‑forth affair, but neither side managed to secure a decisive advantage.