Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign got off to the kind of start that makes a nation collectively reach for the espresso. Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 17, managing just one shot on target across 90-plus minutes against a team playing in only their second World Cup ever.
João Neves headed home from a Pedro Neto cross in the 6th minute. Then DR Congo ripped the script in half.
A historic night for DR Congo
Yoane Wissa rose to meet a cross deep into first-half stoppage time, heading an equalizer in the 45+5th minute. It was DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.
DR Congo (then Zaire) last appeared at a World Cup in 1974. That’s a 52-year gap between tournament appearances. The goal also secured DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup point.
