DR Congo Earns 1-1 Draw With Portugal, Marking Their 2026 World Cup Return

The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) marked a memorable return to the World Cup with a 1‑1 draw against Portugal in their opening group match in Houston on Wednesday.

DR Congo last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, then known as Zaire, when they lost all three group games without scoring.

This time the Congolese side faced a star‑laden Portuguese squad that is tipped as one of the favourites for the tournament.

Yoane Wissa scored Congo’s first World Cup goal, heading in a late first‑half stoppage‑time equaliser to cancel out Portugal’s opening strike from João Neves in the sixth minute.

Also Read: World Cup 2026: DR Congo Will Take Risk Against Portugal –Desabre

Despite being one of the smallest players on the pitch, Neves rose highest to tap home Pedro Neto’s cross.

Portugal looked to go into the break ahead, but Wissa levelled the score by heading home Arthur Masuaku’s fine delivery.

In the same match Cristiano Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi as the only men to play in six World Cups. At 41 years and 132 days old, he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup game.

Ronaldo, however, struggled to make a meaningful impact despite playing the full 90 minutes.

DR Congo became the fourth African team to draw their opening fixture at this year’s tournament.

The other African sides that drew their first group ties are Egypt (1‑1 with Belgium), Morocco (1‑1 with Brazil), and Cape Verde (0‑0 with Spain).

By James Agberebi

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi