Miguel A. Lopes / Lusa
Criatiano Ronaldo after the Seleção’s draw in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo drew 1-1 against the team, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, in the two teams’ debut at the 2026 World Cup. The duel exposed Portugal’s weaknesses — and left the Africans ecstatic.
The first goal for the Portuguese team came early, with João Neves scoring with a header after just six minutes, anticipating a favorable scenario for the Europeans.
Everything seemed to be in order for a quiet victory for the team, which started the game in 5th place in the FIFA Ranking against the 46th ranked team.
But Congo surprised and equalized just before the break, at 45’+5, also with a header, by Yoane Warnedin what was the country’s first goal in the World Championships.
Cristiano Ronaldo and company seemed out of touch at the Houston Stadium in Texas, with difficulties in building game and without being able to serve their main star.
João Neves opened the scoring and then disappeared. Bruno Fernandes was out and CR7 was well watched during almost the entire meeting.
The Leopards, on the contrary, made the most of every opportunity. Your vertical, collective and fast playing styleexactly as coach Sébastien Desabre had promised, gave results.
CR7’s leadership was evident from the moment he entered the field. After a motivational talk, the Portuguese captain ran in front of the entire team, while the stadium vibrated with the cry of “Siuu!”his traditional celebration after each goal.
Right at the start of the match, Cristiano wasted no time and started down the left side, forcing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba to work hard. But the captain was unable to live up to the expectations that most of the Portuguese fans placed on him. This Wednesday, Houston didn’t hear the “Siuu!”
There was no Ronaldo, it started with João Neves. In the sixth minute, Pedro Neto crossed perfectly for the PSG midfielder, who headed to the bottom of the goal. He scored, and disappeared from the game, like almost every team.
Congo quickly reorganized and I wasn’t willing to give up. Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu tried their luck, but without hitting the target. The game then becamea midfield battle.
The Leopards climbed the lines and Edo Kayembe risked another shot. It seemed to have a strategy to upset the Portuguese team. And got it.
The Congolese attacked with verticality and speed. Portugal spent much of the first half limit itself to neutralizing Congo’s game. CR7 gestured and asked his colleagues for passes, without success. The star tried to participate in the construction of the plays, but teammates lost possession of the ball frequently.
A defense of the Leopardshowever, frustrated all attempts. The Portuguese squadron was aimless and, in the last play of the first halfa Congolese chant reached Arthur Masuaku.
The Lens full-back crossed straight to Wissa’s head. The equalizing goal appeared before the break and raised the standswhere Congolese fans danced and cheered throughout the match.
In the second part, Portugal remained apathetic and slowapparently waiting for a counterattack, while the Congolese team gave themselves completely to the game.
Excited, the Congo momentarily became careless in defense and João Cancelo managed a beautiful feat at the beginning of the second half, in the 55th minute, but the great goal was disallowed for offside.
On the other side, Kayembe continued to try. Portugal tried to organize itself, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes barely touched the ball.
Shortly after the disallowed goal, a play from the right reached CR7, but the star failed to finish. The Al Nassr striker wasted another good opportunity minutes later.
Congo’s defense came together again and closed the spaces again. Portugal began to rely on individual talent, with João Cancelo and Bruno Fernandes leading the attack. But the game slipped out of his handsand Tomás Araújo received a yellow card after stopping Wissa at foul.
Congo overshadowed the millionaire stars of City, Paris Saint-Germain and United remained. AND This is how the sixth and final CR7 World Cup began.
