POR vs COD, FIFA WC 2026 Highlights: Portugal held to shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo

The referee blows the final whistle. Portugal are held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener. Joao Neves had given them the lead early on, but Yoane Wissa’s stoppage-time header ensured the Leopards took a point from Houston.

Wissa goes to ground after a firm challenge from Araujo and the referee immediately reaches for his pocket to show a yellow card. DR Congo players protest strongly, believing the tackle deserved a red card, but the referee stands by his decision and keeps it at a booking.

Rafael Leao collects the ball near the edge of the box and swings in a cross towards an onrushing Cristiano Ronaldo. However, DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau gets there first and gathers the ball to end the attack.

Vitinha receives the ball on the right flank but is body-checked by Kapuadi, earning Portugal a free-kick. It has been a difficult evening for Cristiano Ronaldo so far. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has seen very limited service inside the box, and the few chances that have come his way have failed to trouble DR Congo.

Portugal create a promising opening as Bruno Fernandes plays a clever overlapping pass to Rafael Leão, but the substitute is quickly intercepted by DR Congo.

Play resumes after the hydration break as Portugal make two substitutions. Nelson Semedo and Rafael Leao replace Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto.

Kayembe body-checks Nuno Mendes, giving Portugal a free-kick. Martinez’s side takes it quickly and the ball is worked to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right. Ronaldo shoots but his effort flies just wide of the target.

Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

Vitinha plays a long ball towards Bruno Fernandes on the left, but DR Congo’s defence stays well organised and blocks the pass, preventing Portugal from creating any danger.

Bruno Fernandes whips in a cross from the left, which Neto chests down for João Cancelo. The full-back connects beautifully with an overhead kick and thinks he has scored, but the goal is ruled out as Cancelo was offside when the ball was played.

Portugal make a change at the start of the second half as Francisco Conceicao replaces Bernardo Silva. Roberto Martinez is looking to regain the lead, with the substitution also allowing him to bring on fresh legs after Bernardo Silva had picked up a yellow card in the first half.

DR Congo level the score deep into first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku whips in a cross from the right and Yoane Wissa rises to meet it, deflecting the ball into the net with his head. The Leopards are back on level terms in Houston.

Diogo Costa sends a long ball towards Pedro Neto on the left, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka steps in to take control and clears the danger.

Portugal launch another attack but lose possession to Araujo, who clears the danger and switches play to the left flank. Nuno Mendes collects the ball and drives forward before his cross is blocked by DR Congo, who immediately look to counter on the opposite side.

DR Congo break on the counter and Kayembe receives the ball in front of the box. He fires a left-footed shot that takes a heavy deflection, but Diogo Costa makes a comfortable save.

DR Congo push forward down the right channel, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross is cleared by Joao Cancelo. Portugal continue to hold their slender lead in Houston.

Portugal launch a quick attack against the run of play with an overlapping cross from the left, but the Leopards’ defence blocks it. The resulting corner comes to nothing.

Bruno Fernandes collects the ball on the left but is quickly dispossessed by DR Congo. The referee stops play for the first hydration break of the match.

Portugal push three forwards into the final third looking to win the ball high and counter quickly. DR Congo clear the danger with a long ball, forcing the Nations League champions to build up again from the back.

Nuno Mendes fights off Aaron Wan-Bissaka and bursts down the left flank before firing a shot that is blocked by the DR Congo goalkeeper. Bruno Fernandes follows up with a strike on the rebound, but his effort flies wide.

Portugal begin to ease into the game with more possession. Kayembe and Bernardo Silva challenge for the ball and the Congolese midfielder wins a foul. Ronaldo protests that no card is needed, and the referee settles the situation with just a verbal warning to Bernardo Silva.