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World Cup 2026 · Group K · Matchday 1
Portugal
J. Neves 6'
11
Full time
DR Congo
Wissa 45+5'

DR Congo make history and hold Portugal

DR Congo scored its first ever World Cup goal through Yoane Wissa and earned a precious 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

NRG Stadium, Houston — 17 June 2026

Back on the world stage 52 years after appearing as Zaire, DR Congo delivered a landmark result in Houston. The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw and finally scored their first World Cup goal, despite a preparation disrupted by the Ebola outbreak.

Match summary

Portugal started perfectly when Joao Neves headed in Pedro Neto's cross after six minutes. But DR Congo stayed brave and equalised in first-half stoppage time, Yoane Wissa powering in Arthur Masuaku's delivery for a goal that will live in national history.

History moment

Wissa's header changed the meaning of the night. DR Congo had gone through its only previous World Cup in 1974 without scoring and conceding 14; this time, the Leopards answered one of the tournament favourites and even created the better chances, including Cedric Bakambu's post.

What next

Colombia lead Group K after beating Uzbekistan 3-1. DR Congo and Portugal sit on one point, with the Leopards ahead on fair play before facing Colombia while Portugal meet Uzbekistan. A draw, this time, feels close to a victory.

Sources: FIFA, Flashscore, Opta Analyst, ESPN, Al Jazeera, Wikipedia.
World Cup 2026 · Group K · Portugal 1-1 DR Congo · 17 June 2026.
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