DR Congo holds Portugal to earn first point at 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group K):

• Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earned their first ever point at the FIFA World Cup.

Upon return to the global footballing fiesta, DR Congo gallantly played to a 1-all draw with Portugal at the Houston Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Two headed goals from Joao Pedro Goncalves Neves and Yoane Wissa ruled the day.

Neves headed home the opener in the 6th minute as Portugal took the lead.

The Paris Saint-Germain Football Club midfielder headed past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi for the opening goal off a perfectly weighted cross from the left from Pedro Neto.

Wissa headed home the equaliser in the last of the four additional minutes as the opening stanza ended one goal apiece.

DR Congo marked a return to the FIFA World Cup since 1974 when they made their debut.

Group K also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia at the Mexico City stadium, facing off in the coming hours.

Team Line Ups:

Portugal XI: Diogo Costa (G.K), João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo

Subs: Rui Silva (G.K), Jose Sa (G.K), Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Goncalo Inacio, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Francisco Conceicao

Head coach: Roberto Martinez

DR Congo XI: Lionel Mpasi (G.K), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Axel Tunazebe, Chancel Mbemba, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Edo Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu

Subs: Timothy Fayulu (G.K), Matthieu Epolo (G.K), Dylan Batubinsika, Nathanel Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta, Joris Kayembe, Meschack Elia, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola, Charles Pickel, Fiston Mayele, Simon Banza, Gedeon Kalulu

Head coach: Sebastien Desabre

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