Portugal 1-1 DR Congo - Seleção stall after a fast start at the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Photo: FPF

Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Roberto Martínez’s side monopolised possession early on and took the lead in the 6th minute. Pedro Neto swung a cross in from the left wing, picking out João Neves who headed the ball into the far corner.

DR Congo’s strikers signalled their threat with Yoane Wissa firing wide and Cedric Bakambu getting past two defenders before his effort was deflected wide.

The Seleção continued to focus their attention down the left wing, Bruno Fernandes’ ball over the top finding Nuno Mendes who was closed down before he could shoot.

The first advertising break in the air conditioned NRG Stadium featured an authentic piece of Americana, the Houston Texans cheerleaders entertaining the crowd while the players received a drink and a coaching session.

Cristiano Ronaldo went close to getting onto João Cancelo’s cross but Portugal’s captain was struggling to touch the ball and make a positive impact on the match.

Congo equalised on the stroke of half time following a well worked corner routine. Arthur Masuaku swung the ball towards the back post where Yoan Wissa rose unopposed to head the ball past Diogo Costa.

Bernardo Silva made way for Francisco Conceição at the break before both teams went close, João Cancelo scoring from an offside position and Bakambu hitting the post after a foul.

Sébastien Desabre brought on Noah Sadiki for Ngal´ayel Mukau in the 57th minute.

Ronaldo steered Conceição’s cross wide before the second advertising break which came at a good time for Martínez. He used the opportunity to bring on Nélson Semedo and Rafael Leão for Nuno Mendes and Pedro Neto.

Ronaldo steered another Conceição cross wide before Desabre made two more substitutions, Joris Kayembe and Charles Pickel replacing Arthur Masuaku and Edo Kayembe.

The game started to come alive with both teams showing more urgency. A Congo counter attack resulted in Bakakmbu missing the target, Martínez bringing on Vitinha for Gonçalo Ramos in the 83rd minute.

Desabre introduced Gédéon Kalulu and Simon Banza as Congo sensed their chance to spring a surprise.

Fernandes’ left footed effort went wide before the last significant piece of action came in added time, Tomás Araújo taking one for the team when he took out Yoane Wissa who had threatened to break clear.

Deserved result

Portugal had a fantastic start in Houston but instead of going on with the job, they were too passive and allowed the African’s into the game. João Neves’ goal was the Seleção’s only shot on target.

Roberto Martínez and his side will attract criticism with many expecting a comfortable victory. There was too much passivity, too much ineffective passing and the introduction of Rafael Leão and Gonçalo Ramos having next to no positive effect.

Portugal were too slow and predictable for large spells of the game, the inverted full-backs that have been such a significant part of Martínez’s tactics hardly being utilised.

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact, his role and impact on the team to be discussed to death before the match against Uzbekistan.

DR Congo deserve plenty of respect and praise, their back five featuring fast full-backs and three disciplined centre-backs which makes them difficult to break down. Sébastien Desabre’s team proved they deserve to be at the World Cup and their qualification was no fluke.

Line Ups

Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes (Nélson Semedo 72’); João Neves, Vitinha (Gonçalo Ramos 83’); Bernardo Silva (Francisco Conceição 46’), Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto (Rafael Leão 72’); Cristiano Ronaldo

Unused Substitutions: José Sá, Rui Silva, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Rúben Neves, Samú Costa, Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Guedes, João Félix

Manager: Roberto Martínez

DR Congo (5-3-2): Lionel Mpasi; Arthur Masuaku (Joris Kayembe 75’), Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Gédéon Kalulu 85’); Ngal´ayel Mukau (Noah Sadiki 57’), Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe (Charles Pickel 74’); Cédric Bakambu (Simon Banza 85’), Yoane Wissa

Unused Substitutions: Timothy Fayulu, Matthieu Epolo, Dylan Batubinsika, Aaron Tshibola, Meschack Elia, Gaël Kakuta, Theo Bongonda, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Fiston Mayele

Manager: Sébastien Desabre