Portugal enter their second FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage fixture under considerable pressure, having been held to a draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match. Manager Roberto Martinez and his squad now face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, June 23, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00pm BST.

Portugal's struggles against DR Congo

Portugal were widely expected to ease past DR Congo — a side returning to the World Cup for the first time in over 50 years — but the game proved far more difficult than anticipated. Despite taking an early lead through João Neves, Portugal managed only seven shots in total across the 90 minutes, with that opener the sole attempt on target.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva all failed to make the desired impact, and Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa capitalised to earn DR Congo a deserved equaliser. The performance prompted sharp criticism, including from pundit Thierry Henry, who suggested: