João Neves fires Portugal ahead, but Wissa's DR Congo earn a 1-1 draw
Portugal struck first through João Neves, but DR Congo levelled before the break to snatch a point in Houston.
Portugal and DR Congo shared the spoils (1-1) in a Group K clash at the 2026 World Cup that left both nations feeling they had let something slip. Houston's NRG Stadium in the USA, a roofed 68,777-seat colossus famed for its electric atmosphere and the multicultural Texan crowd, staged a vibrant game decided by the finest margins.
The first blow came early. In the 6th minute, João Neves converted a Pedro Neto delivery to put the Portuguese ahead and spark joy among the thousands of travelling fans. DR Congo, though, refused to fold and, right on the 45th minute, Yoane Wissa drew level after an assist from Arthur Masuaku, a psychological hammer-blow at the cruellest moment for Portugal.
The contest was abrasive and the cards showed it. Bernardo Silva (13') and, later, Nélson Semedo (88') and Tomás Araújo (90') were booked for Portugal, while Chancel Mbemba (32') saw yellow in a Congolese defence that was always combative in the duels.
Roberto Martínez set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Diogo Costa in goal and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, flanked by Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in midfield. Opposite him, Sébastien Desabre fielded a sturdy 5-3-2 with Lionel Mpasi-Nzau between the posts and the Wissa-Bakambu pairing up top, a low block hard to break down.
The shared points leave Group K wide open. Portugal, one of the heavyweights at this 48-team World Cup hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, banks a point that feels scarce, while DR Congo celebrate a prestigious draw that keeps them alive in the race for qualification.