2026 FIFA World Cup: DR Congo Make History as Wissa Stuns Portugal in Houston Draw
Congo DR etched their name into FIFA World Cup history on Wednesday after securing their first-ever goal and first-ever point at the tournament in a spirited 1-1 draw against Portugal in Group K.
The historic result came courtesy of striker Yoane Wissa, whose powerful header deep into first-half stoppage time cancelled out an early opener from João Neves and earned Les Léopards a memorable share of the spoils against one of Europe’s football powerhouses.
The match also marked another milestone in the remarkable career of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days. However, the night ultimately belonged to Congo DR, whose resilience and determination delivered a landmark achievement for the nation.
Portugal made a dream start and needed just six minutes to break the deadlock.
Pedro Neto delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and João Neves rose highest to power a header beyond Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The early goal appeared to set the tone for a comfortable Portuguese victory as Roberto Martínez’s side dominated possession and dictated the tempo in the opening stages.
Neves’ goal was reward for Portugal’s bright start, with the midfield star continuing the impressive form that earned him the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
Despite Portugal’s control, Congo DR refused to be overwhelmed by the occasion. Wissa signaled the African side’s intent after ten minutes when he curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide of Diogo Costa’s goal.
That chance sparked growing confidence among the Congolese players, who began to push forward with greater belief and test the Portuguese defence.
As halftime approached, Portugal seemed set to take their one-goal advantage into the break. Instead, Congo DR produced a moment that will forever be remembered in the country’s football history.
In the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, Arthur Masuaku floated a precise cross into the box. Wissa attacked it with conviction, powering a header beyond Costa and into the net.
The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters. It was not just an equaliser—it was the first FIFA World Cup goal ever scored by Congo DR, arriving 52 years after the nation’s only previous appearance at the tournament in 1974.
The strike transformed the atmosphere inside Houston Stadium and injected fresh belief into Sébastien Desabre’s side heading into the second half.
Portugal thought they had regained the lead shortly after the restart through a spectacular piece of improvisation from João Cancelo.
The veteran full-back produced an acrobatic overhead kick that found the back of the net, sending Portuguese supporters into celebration. However, the joy was short-lived as the assistant referee’s flag ruled the goal out for offside.
The decision kept Congo DR level and further boosted the confidence of the African side. Buoyed by their historic goal, Les Léopards continued to pose a threat. Centre-back Steve Kapuadi came close to completing the turnaround when he headed narrowly wide from a set-piece situation.
At the other end, Ronaldo searched for what would have been his ninth World Cup goal. The Portuguese icon had two promising opportunities but was unable to find the target as Congo DR’s defence stood firm.
Despite Portugal’s late pressure, the Congolese backline held on admirably to secure a result that will be celebrated for years to come.
Although Portugal failed to collect all three points, Ronaldo added another chapter to his extraordinary World Cup legacy. The appearance was the 23rd World Cup match of his career, drawing him level with Italian legend Paolo Maldini on the tournament’s all-time appearance list.
At 41 years and 132 days old, Ronaldo also became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match and the second-oldest outfield player ever to feature at the tournament, behind Cameroonian icon Roger Milla, who played at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 World Cup
