WISSA EARNS DR CONGO A HISTORIC POINT AGAINST PORTUGAL
WISSA MAKES HISTORY! 🇨🇩 DR CONGO SCORE THEIR FIRST-EVER WORLD CUP GOAL AND CLAIM THEIR FIRST-EVER POINT Portugal Held in Houston as Ronaldo Sets Another Historic Record at 41.
Houston, USA – DR Congo wrote a new chapter in its football history by earning its first-ever FIFA World Cup™ point and scoring its first-ever World Cup goal in a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal in Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Portugal started brightly and took the lead after just six minutes. Rising highest in the penalty area, João Neves headed home Pedro Neto’s excellent cross to put the European side ahead 1-0.
Roberto Martínez’s team controlled the early stages of the match, but DR Congo gradually found confidence. Striker Yoane Wissa provided the first warning sign when he curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide of Diogo Costa’s goal.
Just when Portugal seemed destined to take their advantage into halftime, history was made. In first-half stoppage time, Arthur Masuaku delivered a dangerous cross into the box and Yoane Wissa powered a header into the net. The goal sparked celebrations across the African nation, becoming DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, 52 years after their debut appearance at the 1974 tournament.
Portugal thought they had regained the lead shortly after the break when João Cancelo produced a spectacular overhead kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Inspired by their equalizer, DR Congo continued to push forward and looked increasingly dangerous. Defender Steve Kapuadi came close with a header, while Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo saw two opportunities go off target as he searched for his ninth World Cup goal.
The match was also significant because Ronaldo set another remarkable record. At 41 years and 132 days old, he became the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match and the second-oldest outfield player to appear in the tournament, behind Cameroon legend Roger Milla.
Portugal midfielder João Neves was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after an impressive performance that included the opening goal.
The result keeps Group K wide open, while DR Congo celebrates one of the greatest achievements in the history of its national team.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Goals: ⚽ João Neves 6' (Portugal) ⚽ Yoane Wissa 45+5' (DR Congo)
Player of the Match: João Neves (Portugal)
Key Statistic
At 41 years and 132 days old, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match and the second-oldest outfield player to appear in the tournament's history.
What They Said
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo striker): "We worked extremely hard for this moment. It was a difficult match against a stronger team, but we showed courage and resilience. Scoring our first World Cup goal is a huge source of pride for our country."
Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo coach): "The players showed incredible commitment and followed the game plan perfectly. We represented Congo in a positive way and the whole nation can be proud."
Roberto Martínez (Portugal coach): "We started the match very well, but after scoring we lost some attacking fluency. The confidence they gained after their goal made the game difficult. However, I am satisfied with the team's attitude and commitment."
João Neves (Portugal midfielder): "It was my first World Cup match and I’m happy with my performance. But what matters most is the team. We need victories, and we will continue working to improve."