Houston: The Democratic Republic of Congo pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026, holding a star-studded Portugal side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo to a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Group K opener at Houston Stadium in Texas.

The match marked a historic moment for 41-year-old Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who stepped onto the pitch to play in his record-equalling sixth World Cup tournament. However, the legendary forward was left frustrated as a resilient Congolese side, competing in their first World Cup since 1974, refused to follow the pre-match script.

Portugal looked poised for a comfortable evening when they broke the deadlock after just six minutes. Midfielder João Neves found the back of the net following an accurate assist from winger Pedro Neto, capping off an intense opening period of pressure from Roberto Martínez's side.

Despite falling behind early, DR Congo reorganised brilliantly under intense pressure. Portugal completely dominated territory and possession, commanding an overwhelming 80 per cent of the ball and completing 459 passes in the first half. However, the Leopards remained highly disciplined in a compact 5-3-2 defensive formation, restricting Portugal's fluid attack to very few clear-cut opportunities.

The African side's defensive resilience paid dividends in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Brentford forward Yoane Wissa found space inside the penalty area to head home an excellent cross delivered by full-back Arthur Masuaku, sending the Congolese supporters into raptures and ensuring the teams went into the half-time interval level.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Portugal probing for a winner. João Cancelo had a spectacular overhead kick disallowed for offside in the 56th minute. Minutes later, DR Congo nearly took an audacious lead when Cédric Bakambu struck the post, though the referee had already blown for a prior infringement.

Portugal threw everything forward in the closing stages. In the 75th minute, Ronaldo missed a golden opportunity from close range, stabbing the ball wide from the edge of the six-yard box. DR Congo survived late pressure, including a flurry of tactical substitutions by Martínez, to secure a famous point.

The result leaves Group K wide open, with both teams claiming a vital point.