Portugal midfielder Joao Neves has found himself at the center of a major social media controversy following Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup match. The young midfielder scored Portugal’s only goal, but much of the post-match discussion shifted toward Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance.

Having boarded their plane to the United States as one of the favourites, Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a dismal start in Houston.

Portugal entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the favourites for the title, but the former European champions stumbled in their opening Group K fixture. | Football News