Ronaldo's sixth World Cup begins with Portugal draw against Congo
Cristiano Ronaldo's record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance ended in disappointment as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo, who scored their first-ever World Cup goal in a spirited Group clash.
The Group clash produced one of the early surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the African nation delivering a disciplined performance to earn a memorable point against one of Europe's strongest sides.
While Ronaldo added another record to his extraordinary career, Congo celebrated a landmark of their own by scoring the country's first-ever World Cup goal.
Portugal start brightly
Portugal looked set for a comfortable evening after taking the lead inside six minutes. Pedro Neto burst down the flank before delivering an inviting cross that João Neves met with a perfectly timed header to beat the Congolese goalkeeper.
The early goal appeared to settle Roberto Martinez's side, who controlled possession for long spells and forced Congo to spend much of the opening half defending deep.
However, despite dominating the ball, Portugal struggled to convert their superiority into clear-cut chances.
Congo refuse to fold
Rather than collapse after conceding early, Congo gradually grew into the contest. Arthur Masuaku became increasingly influential down the left, while Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu constantly tested Portugal's defensive line with intelligent movement.
Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time.
Masuaku delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, where Wissa rose highest to head home and write his name into Congolese football history by scoring the nation's first goal at a FIFA World Cup.
The equaliser sparked huge celebrations among Congo's travelling supporters and gave the African side renewed belief heading into the second half.
Ronaldo denied historic goal
Much of the attention centred on Ronaldo, who entered the tournament alongside Lionel Messi as one of only two players to feature in six men's World Cups.
The Portuguese captain came close to becoming the first player ever to score in six different editions of the competition. He fired narrowly wide twice midway through the second half before showing visible frustration as both opportunities slipped away.
Portugal thought they had restored their lead when João Cancelo produced an acrobatic bicycle kick finish, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Bruno Fernandes also squandered a late chance to win the match, dragging his effort wide in the closing minutes.
Congo nearly produced another shock
The draw could easily have become an even greater upset. Shortly after Portugal's disallowed goal, Bakambu struck the inside of the post as Congo threatened to complete a remarkable comeback.
Defensively, the Central Africans remained organised throughout the closing stages, frustrating Portugal's attack and protecting a result that could prove crucial in the battle for qualification.
Group outlook
The result leaves Group competition finely balanced after the opening round of fixtures. Portugal will be expected to respond quickly in their next match, but the draw serves as another reminder that reputations alone count for little at this World Cup.
For DR Congo, the performance provides confidence that they can compete with the tournament's biggest nations and keep alive hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Although Ronaldo's record-breaking appearance dominated the headlines before kick-off, it was Congo's resilience, organisation and historic goal that ultimately defined a memorable night in Houston.
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