Portugal and DR Congo clashed in Houston in a Group K match of the 2026 World Cup. The match was highly anticipated, especially after Lionel Messi’s performance in Argentina’s win over Algeria, when the South American star scored a hat-trick.
Thus, the attention shifted to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is at a new final tournament with the Lusitanian national team. This time, however, the Portuguese veteran failed to make a difference on the field, and his group had to settle for a disappointing result.
Total dominance of the Lusitanians, unexpected equalization in the 45th minute
Portugal simply controlled the first half of the match against DR Congo, having over 80% possession and opening the scoring quickly. In the 6th minute, Pedro Neto made an excellent cross and Joao Neves scored with a header for 1-0. The Lusitanians continued to dominate and keep the ball away from the opponents, but without creating many chances.
On the other hand, the Congolese played an extremely offensive game. In the 14th minute, Cedric Bakambu had a shot blocked. However, the Africans’ biggest opportunity before the break came in the 34th minute when Edo Kayembe shot dangerously at goal from distance but missed. When it looked like Portugal would take the lead in the dressing room, DR Congo struck in extra time. Arthur Masuaku took a corner and Wissa headed in to restore the tie, 1-1.
Ronaldo missed two major opportunities
In the second half, Portugal continued to clearly dominate possession, but without being able to convert the superiority into goals. In the 63rd minute, DR Congo came close to scoring, but Steve Kapuadi’s header went wide.
Cristiano Ronaldo had two important opportunities in the 69th and 74th minutes, but each time he missed the target. In the 68th minute, spirits heated up on the field, and the referee had to intervene to calm the players down.
The Africans remained dangerous on the counter-attack and had another great chance in the 84th minute when Cedric Bakambu missed incredibly from a great position. Portugal continued to press until the end, but Bruno Fernandes headed wide in extra time and the game remained 1-1 at the end.
