Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating World Cup debut in 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston, watched by an attendance of 68,777.

Roberto Martinez's side got off to the perfect start when Joao Neves nodded home inside six minutes — but that header turned out to be Portugal's only shot on target across 90 minutes. From there, the European side stalled, unable to find another breakthrough against a resolute DR Congo.

Ronaldo's missed chances prove costly

Ronaldo, leading the line for Portugal in what may be his last World Cup, squandered two clear-cut chances to seal the win. In the 68th minute he failed to convert from 10 yards, and five minutes later an almost identical opportunity also slipped past him. The 40-year-old's struggles summed up a collective underperformance from a Portugal team many expected to dominate.

DR Congo make history

DR Congo — competing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they appeared as Zaïre — dug deep and earned a historic reward. Yoane Wissa, the Newcastle United forward, struck late in first-half stoppage time to level the match and claim what may prove a memorable point on the continental stage.

The Central African side had further reason to feel they could have taken all three points. Cédric Bakambu rattled the outside of the post from close range in the 57th minute, and earlier a bicycle kick from João Cancelo was ruled out for offside.

DR Congo's first ever World Cup goal, scored by Wissa, etched the nation into tournament history — and left Portugal with serious questions to answer ahead of their next Group K fixture.