2026 World Cup: Ronaldo fires blank as Portugal held to shock draw by DR Congo

Yoanne Wissa’s emphatic header proved pivotal as the Democratic Republic of the Congo earned their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston.

On a night he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to live up to the matchday-one goalscoring heights of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Ronaldo fired a blank in the Group K opener and Selecao das Quinas left Texas with just one point, despite taking a sixth-minute lead when Joao Neves headed in from an inviting Pedro Neto cross.

At that moment, Portugal, among the favourites to win the competition, were confident they could go on to win the game comfortably.

But DR Congo had other ideas, reacting superbly and showing great bravery to press high, stopping Portugal from developing any rhythm whatsoever.

Wissa equalised with the last touch of the first half and you can’t say it wasn’t deserved, as DR Congo netted as a result of a pinpoint Arthur Masuaku cross from a clever short corner.

Portugal's struggles continued way into the second half as DR Congo stopped A Selecao from registering any further shots on target, all while looking a threat on the counter-attack.

The Leopards earned their nickname through showing strength, power and resilience on behalf of their nation.

They exhibited those qualities in abundance in Houston, going toe-to-toe with Portugal and pocketing one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.

Those DR Congo fans won’t be forgetting that one for a very long time indeed.