Congo’s Yoane Wissa (20) scores his side’s first goal against Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Karen Warren/The Associated Press via TS
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Congo on Wednesday in their opening match at the World Cup.
Congo, which was playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, became the second African nation to make a strong start in the tournament against European competition following Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday.
“The World Cup is a tournament where this happens,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, a Spaniard who coached Belgium to the semifinals at the 2018 tournament.
“At times the performance is not up to the challenge.”
Playing in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators at NRG Stadium, which was mostly filled with Portugal supporters, Congo earned its first point at the World Cup after losing all three of its previous matches.
Many Congolese were prevented from traveling to the United States for this year’s tournament because of restrictions tied to Ebola.
“There was not enough blue in the stands, but the players are tough and they know how to overcome challenges,” Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said.
“But I’m sure that many Congolese people are proud of their team today.”
João Neves gave Portugal an early lead in the sixth minute. The 5-foot-7 midfielder headed in a cross from Pedro Neto.
But Yoane Wissa equalized for Congo with a header in stoppage time at the end of the first half off a cross from Arthur Masuaku, delighting the small pockets of blue-clad fans. It was the first World Cup goal for Congo in its history.
“It’s crazy,” Wissa said.
“Fifty-two years later we are here, we are back. It’s been long, it’s been difficult. So scoring that goal, it means a lot for all Congolese, for me, for my family, for the fans who showed up today.”
Beside Ronaldo’s efforts, Bruno Fernandes had a chance to put Portugal ahead in the 90th minute but his shot also was wide right.
Portugal looked to have taken the lead in the 55th minute on a bicycle kick by João Cancelo, but he was ruled offside.
Soon after that, Cédric Bakambu’s attempt to put Congo in front failed when his shot bounced off the near post.
The parents of Diogo Jota, a member of the Portugal team who died alongside his brother in a car crash last summer, attended the game in a luxury suite. – via TS.
Share your thoughts on the story Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Held To A 1-1 Draw By Congo At The World Cup with Nigerian Kicker in the comments.
