Ronaldo stunned as DR Congo snatch shock result against Portugal

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign suffered an early setback on Wednesday after a resilient DR Congo side battled to a 1-1 draw, denying Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates a winning start in Group K.

The Portuguese appeared on course for victory when Joao Neves headed them into an early lead in the sixth minute, rising to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and steering the ball beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

However, DR Congo refused to be intimidated by their illustrious opponents and gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa finished emphatically from close range after connecting with Arthur Masuaku’s delivery to level the score.

The result leaves Portugal with work to do in a group that also features Colombia and Uzbekistan, while DR Congo earned what could prove a crucial point in their quest to reach the knockout stages.

For Ronaldo, the evening was particularly frustrating. The veteran forward endured a largely quiet outing and was denied by a disciplined Congolese defence.

His best opportunities came in the second half, with one effort drifting narrowly wide and another blocked inside the penalty area as Portugal pushed desperately for a winner.

Portugal dominated possession and created the better chances after the break. Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close in stoppage time, firing just wide from a promising position, while Joao Cancelo had a goal ruled out for offside.

DR Congo, however, were far from mere spectators. Cedric Bakambu struck the post midway through the second half and the African side repeatedly threatened on the counterattack, exposing vulnerabilities in Portugal’s defence.

Goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau also produced a composed performance, dealing confidently with Portugal’s late aerial bombardment and helping his side withstand sustained pressure.

The draw will be celebrated as a significant result for DR Congo, ranked 46th in the world, against a Portugal team widely tipped to challenge for the title. For Roberto Martinez’s men, meanwhile, the result serves as an early warning that reputation alone will not be enough in a fiercely competitive World Cup.

Portugal next face Uzbekistan seeking their first win of the tournament, while DR Congo will look to build on their impressive display when they take on Colombia.