Ronaldo flatters to deceive as Portugal slump to DR Congo draw

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during his first performance in the 2026 World Cup as a disappointing Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.

Ronaldo started the game but failed to make the desired impact, missing two big chances of the game as Roberto Martinez's side failed to get out of first gear in Houston.

Joao Neves had given Portugal a lead with a smart header inside six minutes, but that proved to be their only shot on target for the entire game.

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DR Congo remained stubborn and were rewarded with their first ever World Cup goal courtesy of Newcastle's Yoane Wissa which proved enough to come away with a remarkable point in their first appearance at the tournament since 1974 as Zaïre.

Also See:

World Cup day-by-day schedule

World Cup news and live updates

Group K guide in full

World Cup tables

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More to follow.

As it happened | Teams | Stats | Group K guide

World Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World Cup

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The key moments from Houston...

6: GOAL! Neves heads home for perfect Portugal start

45+5: GOAL! DR Congo’s stubbornness pays off as Wissa equalises

55: GOAL DISALLOWED! Cancelo’s bicycle kick is chalked off for offside

57: Bakambu smashes the outside of the post from close range

68: Ronaldo misses his best chance from all of 10 yards

73: A carbon copy chance for Ronaldo also goes begging

What the result means...

Player ratings: Have your say!

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