World Cup: DR Congo hold Portugal to 1-1 draw

Portugal are off to a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The national team was held to a surprising 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo this evening in Houston, USA, after an uninspiring performance that will certainly leave head coach Roberto Martinez with a lot to think about until Portugal’s next match against Uzbekistan on July 23.

No one would have predicted such a flat performance after an impressive João Neves header gave Portugal the lead just six minutes into the match, but Portugal quickly descended into a non-threatening possession game, rarely creating any real scoring opportunities, content with simply passing the ball to the side and backwards.

The African side took advantage of Portugal’s anemic performance, conceding most of the ball possession to Portugal but attacking with conviction whenever they had a chance. Their efforts paid off just before half-time, when Yoane Wissa levelled the scoreboard and dealt Portugal a deserved blow.

Not much changed in the second half, with most substitutes failing to change the course of the match. Evidence of Portugal’s ineffectiveness is its total shot tally of seven, one below Congo’s eight.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo played the full match but was unable to make an impact and will certainly see questions being raised again about whether his place in the squad is earned by merit or reputation.

For DR Congo, the result earned them a point in their first appearance at a World Cup since 1974.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.