Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Cristiano Ronaldo had a day to forget as DR Congo claimed their first World Cup point, with Yoane Wissa cancelling out Joao Neves' sixth-minute opener late in the first half.
This was billed as the day Ronaldo would arrive at the tournament. It did not work out that way. Portugal's talisman faced extra scrutiny after Tuesday's World Cup games were dominated by standout performances from other superstar forwards: Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway in a win over Iraq, Kylian Mbappe got his own brace as France beat Senegal, and Lionel Messi delivered a hat-trick for Argentina in a victory against Algeria.
Ronaldo could not match those feats. He struggled to make an impact against a dogged and determined DR Congo side that held one of the pre-tournament favorites to a stalemate.
Ronaldo's World Cup Form and Match Role
The stage was set for Ronaldo, but unlike the trio of goalscoring superstars on day six of this World Cup, international football's record goalscorer could not deliver on day seven.
Now aged 41, Ronaldo remains prolific in qualification play, with five goals in five matches on the road to this World Cup and 10 in nine for the most recent European Championship in 2024. For his club in Saudi Arabia, he scored 28 in 30 games for Al Nassr last season. At major tournaments, however, he has been far less productive, with only one goal in 11 appearances across the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and Portugal's first game at this tournament. That lone strike was a penalty.
For context, Messi has scored nine times in World Cup matches since Ronaldo netted from the spot in Portugal's opening group stage match against Ghana at Qatar 2022.
Chances were at a premium in the Houston match, and Ronaldo's impact was minimal. He mostly attempted to act as a conduit for his younger, quicker, more mobile team-mates, either by deliberately standing yards offside so Portugal could play it wide behind DR Congo's high line and allow him to be onside for the resulting cross, or by trying to link play through occasional deep runs.
He had a couple of attempts at goal from Francisco Conceicao pullbacks, neither of which troubled the goalkeeper, on what was a frustrating afternoon in Houston.
Any criticism of Ronaldo back home in Portugal, where he is hero-worshipped like no other has mostly centred around manager Roberto Martinez's use of him. Ronaldo is pretty much guaranteed to play every minute of Portugal's 2026 World Cup regardless of his impact, whereas for a player of his age, a substitute role may be more suitable.
He predictably lasted the full 90 here. Also predictably, he offered very little.
DR Congo's Result and Defensive Stand
Historically, this result was not quite Saudi Arabia overcoming Argentina in 2022, or Senegal shocking defending champions France 20 years previously. Even during this tournament, Qatar's draw with Switzerland on Saturday was a surprise, while Cape Verde somehow holding European champions Spain to a goalless stalemate two days later was one of the all-time World Cup shocks.
That should not diminish DR Congo's accomplishment. Portugal's talent pool, especially in midfield is frankly outrageous, and Martinez's side took a sixth-minute lead through Neves. DR Congo did not wilt, however, and actually had more shots and produced a higher expected goals figure, despite their meagre possession.
Defensively, led by their captain, the former Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba, they were immense and offered Portugal few clear-cut opportunities. There is an evident resilience and togetherness about them.
For a team sitting 43rd in FIFA's rankings to deservedly draw with one of the pre-tournament favourites ranked seventh and secure their first ever point at the World Cup finals warrants commendation.
