It all got off to a flying start for the Portuguese, however, who opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute through… João Neves! The Parisian midfielder pulled off one of his trademark moves, brilliantly heading home a cross from Pedro Neto to put his side on the right track (1–0, 6').
But the DRC players showed greater resilience thereafter, eventually equalising just before half-time through Wissa, also with a header, to level the score (1–1, 45+5).
Whilst the Parisians were on top form, Roberto Martinez’s players were unable to find a way through, despite Ramos coming on shortly afterwards. The Seleçcão therefore began with a draw, whilst Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in the other group match, which took place a little later.
PORTUGAL - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: 1-1 (1-1)
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group stage - Group K - Matchday 1
NRG Stadium (Houston)
Goals: Neves (6') for Portugal. Wissa (45+5) for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
PORTUGAL: Costa, Cancelo, Araujo, Veiga, Mendes (Semedo, 72'), J. Neves, Vitinha (Ramos, 83'), Silva (Conceição, 46'), Fernandes, Neto (Leão, 71'), Ronaldo (c). Manager: R. Martinez.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Mpasi-Nzau, Wan-Bissaka (Kalulu, 85'), Mbemba (c), Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku (J. Kayembe, 74'), Mukau (Sadiki, 57'), Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe (Pickel, 74'), Wissa, Bakambu (Banza, 85'). Manager: S. Desabre.
