Portugal vs DR Congo 1-1: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

We’re wrapping up our coverage of Portugal’s opener against DR Congo in Houston.

Be sure to hop across to our live page covering England’s match against Croatia in Dallas.

But for now from me Adam Hancock and my colleague Patrick Keddie, goodbye!

Not long until our next live game, with Thomas Tuchel’s England facing Croatia in their Group K opener.

That match kicks off in less than 20 minutes and you can follow all of the build-up here.

You can now read our full recap of DR Congo’s stunning draw with Portugal in Houston.

The match report is here.

Portugal will return to Houston next Tuesday as they face Uzbekistan in their second match of the tournament.

That game kicks off at 12pm local time (17:00 GMT).

DR Congo, meanwhile, will travel to Mexico to face Colombia in their next match on Tuesday.

That game will begin at 8pm local time (02:00 GMT on Wednesday).

0 – Cristiano Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring for Portugal (FIFA World Cup/EURO):

33 shots
11 on target
0 goals

Drought. pic.twitter.com/PYQIHPgCkM

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2026

Just one game, but DR Congo sit top of the pile. Colombia will face Uzbekistan later on Wednesday.

It all ends square 🤝#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

After witnessing a hat-trick from Lionel Messi yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo would have been desperate to get his name on the scoresheet in Portugal’s opener today.

But the Al-Nassr forward was off target on a number of occasions and lacked any real sharpness in front of goal.

It was a similar story in Portugal’s final warmup game against Nigeria, with Ronaldo missing a number of clear-cut chances.

Roberto Martinez appears intent on playing him, but the pressure will mount on the Portugal boss if Ronaldo continues to misfire.

Since scoring in the sixth minute, 60 minutes of action ago, Portugal have had just one shot. pic.twitter.com/hx6I2Z7XGK

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 17, 2026

Roberto Martinez’s side were much-fancied coming into this tournament, but they now have plenty of work to do after a difficult opening match against DR Congo.

It all started so well, with Neves heading home after just six minutes.

Portugal were dominant in possession, and it looked like a very long afternoon ahead for The Leopards.

But the European giants failed to capitalise on their dominance and barely threatened Mpasi in the DR Congo goal.

There was little improvement in the second half, and DR Congo actually looked the more likely winners at the end.

A first-ever FIFA World Cup goal for Congo DR 🥹#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ap2BYAyOoV

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2026

After a troubled buildup to the tournament, DR Congo have made a brilliant return to the biggest stage in international football.

They overcame a difficult opening spell and grew in confidence as the game continued.

The Leopards were good value for their goal and could have won it in the second half.

They will take plenty of confidence from this result and will enjoy these moments as their fans celebrate on the ground.

A little early, but the referee has blown the whistle.

What a stunning result for DR Congo!

Full time: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

More good goal keeping from the DR Congo man.

He catches the ball from a crowd of bodies.

90+5 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

Semedo breaks down the right and wins a corner for his side.

90+4 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

DR Congo are furious after Araujo blocks off Wissa to stop him getting through on goal.

There was a covering defender for Portugal, but that was risky.

90+3 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

The Manchester United man tries to win it himself by smashing a shot at goal from the edge of he area.

He drags the shot wide of the post.

Five minutes added on.

90+1 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

Good keeping from Mpasi as he runs out of his area to head the ball away.

Into the final minute of normal time…

90 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

The Portugal player shakes his head after picking up a yellow card for stopping Wissa in his tracks.

89 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

Bakambu and Wan-Bissaka head off to be replaced by Simon Banza and Gedeon Kalulu.

86 mins: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo