Congo DR delivered one of the standout results of the 2026 World Cup, holding pre-tournament favorites Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston on Wednesday.

The African side frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates throughout, earning a point that will reverberate across the tournament and signal that Congo DR are a side no one can afford to overlook.

Portugal, widely tipped to challenge for the title, were unable to find a winner against a resolute Congo DR outfit that matched them for large spells of the contest in Houston.

For Ronaldo, the result was a source of visible frustration as Portugal dropped points against one of the tournament's so-called lesser fancies — a result that could prove costly in a competitive group.

Congo DR continue to build on what has been a remarkable run of performances, with this draw against one of Europe's heavyweights adding to the growing sense that the African representatives at this World Cup are refusing to be underestimated.