DR Congo marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against Portugal, in their opening Group K match, at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
The match could hardly have started worse for the Congolese. Portugal struck after just six minutes when Pedro Neto delivered an inviting cross and João Neves timed his run perfectly to glance a header beyond Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
The early goal threatened to derail DR Congo’s long-awaited World Cup return, but the Leopards responded with remarkable composure. In fact, it was the African side who soon began asking questions of Portugal’s defence.
Yoane Wissa flashed an effort narrowly wide before Cedric Bakambu forced the Portuguese backline into action as the Leopards gradually grew into the contest.
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Portugal continued to enjoy possession and looked dangerous through Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, but DR Congo’s midfield, led by the energetic Edo Kayembe, steadily wrestled momentum away from their opponents.
Their reward arrived at the perfect moment. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Arthur Masuaku delivered a superb cross into the penalty area and Wissa rose highest to power home an unstoppable header that sparked wild celebrations.
The equaliser transformed the atmosphere and gave DR Congo renewed confidence heading into the second half.
Portugal attempted to reassert its authority after the restart and briefly thought they had restored the lead. Defender João Canceo scored with a spectacular effort. However, the celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened.
The Leopards remained disciplined and compact, frustrating Portugal’s attacking stars and preventing them from finding any sustained rhythm. Ronaldo twice came close to making the difference, but was repeatedly denied.
At the final whistle, the celebrations among the Congolese players reflected the significance of the result. Fifty-two years after their only previous World Cup appearance, DR Congo have returned not merely to participate but to compete.
For African football, the performance was another reminder of the continent’s growing strength at the expanded 2026 tournament. For the Leopards, it was proof that they belong among the world’s elite.
And if their display against Portugal is anything to go by, few teams will relish facing them in the weeks ahead.
Latest World Cup results
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
England 4-2 Croatia.
