Yoane Wissa has praised the courage and resilience DR Congo showed after holding Portugal to a historic 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The Newcastle United striker headed home in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time to earn the Leopards their first-ever World Cup goal — cancelling out a sixth-minute header from Portugal midfielder Joao Neves.

A famous equaliser

Wissa was left unmarked inside the six-yard box to meet Arthur Masuaku's cross and nod past the goalkeeper, silencing a Portugal side that had dominated possession without turning that control into clear chances.

Roberto Martinez's team paid the price for their wastefulness, leaving with a point instead of the winning start they would have expected against a World Cup debutant.

Wissa dedicates the moment to DR Congo

Speaking after the result, Wissa made clear how much the point meant to his nation.