FIFA World Cup 2026: A historic yet deeply frustrating afternoon for Portugal at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo went down in history on Friday when he joined Lionel Messi as the only players to play at six different FIFA World Cups, but his landmark appearance was overshadowed by a tactical masterclass from a resolute DR Congo. Sébastien Desabre’s disciplined outfit battled back bravely to grab a stunning 1-1 draw for their first-ever point on the world stage.
The match started exactly as the script called for the tournament favourites. It took just six minutes for Roberto MartÃnez’s star-studded side to crack the Congolese low block. Pedro Neto floated a mathematically precise cross from the flank which teenage midfield sensation João Neves guided with a brilliant header past Lionel Mpasi from 15 meters out.
But rather than pressing on with their early advantage, Portugal surprisingly slipped into low gear. Remarkably, Neves’s early goal was the only time the Seleção tested the opposing goalkeeper in the entire 90 minutes. The DR Congo weathered the early pressure, organised their lines meticulously under the leadership of Chancel Mbemba and began asking serious questions on the counter-attack.
The Leopards’ tactical bravery was rewarded on five minutes into added time of the first-half. Arthur Masuaku sent in a lovely cross to the back post and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa beat his man to head home a historic equaliser. The goal caused total chaos among the blue-clad fans in Texas, as DR Congo scored their first ever goal in World Cup history, after failing to find the net in their entire campaign in 1974.
The second half was a very tense, evenly contested affair. DR Congo grew in confidence and almost took an absolute miracle when Cédric Bakambu’s low effort hit the outside of the post. At the other end, all eyes remained glued to Ronaldo. The 41-year-old skipper had a frustrating outing, utterly deprived of service before uncharacteristically pulling two golden opportunities wide of the target in the 68th and 73rd minutes.
As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo was seen storming straight down the tunnel in visible disgust. Meanwhile, Congolese players and staff danced on the pitch, celebrating a historic milestone that leaves Group K wide open.
