Portugal vs. DR Congo Final Score, Result: Ronaldo Held Scoreless While Yoanne Wissa's Goal Forces Draw
Ronaldo is set to join Lionel Messi as the only men to play in six World Cups as Portugal opens Group K as a heavy favorite.
- On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Portugal faces DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston to open Group K play, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo targeting his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.
- DR Congo returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years, ending a long wait since the nation last competed as Zaire in 1974 under French manager Sébastien Desabre.
- Bookmakers favor Portugal at 1.27, while Desabre said, "They have very interesting possession periods," as ticket resale prices reached $1,195 on secondary platforms.
- A strong start remains critical for Portugal in Group K, which also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan, as coach Roberto Martínez builds on the team's 2025 UEFA Nations League title.
- Now 41, Ronaldo remains the face of Portuguese football as he pursues one of the final major trophies missing from his illustrious career during this historic tournament appearance.
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76 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
WA todayFIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE updates: England beat Croatia 4-2; Ronaldo’s Portugal draw 1-1 with DR Congo as Ghana, Panama, Uzbekistan and Colombia in action today
Group K and L stages are up today as Portugal take on the Democratic Republic of Congo and England clash with Croatia. Ghana and Panama meet later and the last game of the day is Uzbekistan v Colombia. Follow along to our live blog for all the action.
World Cup-Mitfavorit Portugal takes the lead against the Democratic Republic of Congo early on – but it is only enough for 1:1. Cristiano Ronaldo acts inconspicuously.
The national team of the DR Congo annoyed Portugal and sensationally wrestled a remis to the World Cup-favorite. Ronaldo already breaks a record before Anpfiff, then he does not succeed much anymore.
Cristiano Ronaldo Fails To Inspire Portugal As DR Congo Earn Historic World Cup Point
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, was largely a peripheral figure throughout the match -- failing to make the impact his great rival Lionel Messi had done on Tuesday in scoring a hat-trick against Algeria.
Thousands of fans eagerly awaited Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance at this World Cup. But the superstar won't get going with Portugal against the outsider Democratic Republic of Congo.
For Portugal, the start of the World Cup ends with a disappointing 1:1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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