Portugal vs DR Congo

Portugal began the match with the swagger of a side ranked fifth in the world and featuring Cristiano Ronaldo at his sixth World Cup. Roberto Martínez's side needed just six minutes to find the breakthrough. Pedro Neto, starting on the right wing, drove at the DR Congo defence before slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of João Neves. The PSG midfielder, still only 21, showed terrific composure to slot calmly past the goalkeeper from inside the box.

The goal settled any early Portuguese nerves, and they dominated possession as expected — finishing the half with over 75% of the ball. Bernardo Silva went into the book in the 13th minute for tripping, a rare blemish in an otherwise slick opening period.

DR Congo, making only their second World Cup appearance, refused to be overwhelmed. They grew into the half and started finding footholds in Portuguese territory. Central defender Chancel Mbemba was cautioned in the 32nd minute for a robust challenge, but the warning sign for Portugal came through the undercurrent of Congo's growing belief.

Just when Portugal thought they would take a 1–0 lead into the break, DR Congo struck a devastating blow. Deep into first-half stoppage time — 45+5 minutes — Arthur Masuaku delivered a searching ball into the box from the left flank. Yoane Wissa, the Brentford forward, rose above his marker and directed a precise header beyond the reach of Diogo Costa. The NRG Stadium erupted as the Leopards' players sprinted to the corner flag in celebration.

It was a moment of history: DR Congo's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, and the platform for their first-ever point.

The second half was a tighter, more tactical affair. Portugal pushed for a winner, Martínez made early changes — withdrawing Bernardo Silva for Francisco Conceição at the restart, and later introducing Rafael Leão for Pedro Neto in the 71st minute. Nuno Mendes replaced Nélson Semedo a minute later as Portugal searched for width and invention.

Yet clear-cut chances were at a premium. Despite 75% possession, Portugal managed only one shot on target across the entire 90 minutes — Neves' early goal. Their xG of 0.69 reflected the difficulty they faced breaking down a disciplined DR Congo defensive block.

DR Congo, by contrast, created the better opportunities on the counter. They registered two shots on target from eight attempts and posted a higher xG (0.82) than the five-time world ranking giants. Ngal'ayel Mukau and later Edo Kayembe were introduced to shore up midfield, while Cédric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka came on in the 85th minute to see out the result.

Portugal's frustration boiled over late. Nélson Semedo was booked for holding in the 88th minute, and Tomás Araújo followed him into the book in the second minute of added time for a rough challenge. But DR Congo held firm, and referee Abdulrahman Al-Jassim's final whistle sparked joyous scenes among the Congolese players and fans.

The result opens Group K in sensational fashion. Both Portugal and DR Congo have one point, with Colombia and Uzbekistan to come — they meet later in the group stage. For Portugal, the failure to beat the group's lowest-ranked side places enormous pressure on their remaining fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

For DR Congo, this is the stuff of dreams. Their first World Cup goal, their first World Cup point, and a result that will echo across the continent. Head coach Sébastien Desabre will point to the defensive organisation and the clinical edge of Wissa as proof that his side can compete at this level.

Portugal face Uzbekistan in Houston on June 23 in what is now a must-win fixture for Martínez's side. DR Congo will take on Colombia in their second group match, knowing another positive result could put them in pole position for a spot in the round of 32.

One thing is certain: DR Congo have arrived on the world stage, and they won't be leaving quietly.