Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during his first performance at the 2026 World Cup as a disappointing Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.
Ronaldo started the game but failed to make the desired impact, missing two big chances as his goalless run in major tournaments was extended to 10 games.
Joao Neves had given Portugal a lead with a smart header inside six minutes but that proved to be their only shot on target for the entire game.
DR Congo remained stubborn and were rewarded with their first World Cup goal courtesy of Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa, which proved enough to come away with a remarkable point in their first appearance at the tournament since 1974 as Zaïre.
The key moments from Houston…
- 6: GOAL! Neves heads home for perfect Portugal start
- 45+5: GOAL! DR Congo’s stubbornness pays off as Wissa equalises
- 55: GOAL DISALLOWED! Cancelo’s bicycle kick is chalked off for offside
- 57: Bakambu smashes the outside of the post from close range
- 68: Ronaldo misses his best chance from all of 10 yards
- 73: A carbon copy chance for Ronaldo also goes begging
Goals in pictures
Portugal 1-0 DR Congo (Neves, 6)
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo (Wissa, 45+5)
What the result means…
The Ronaldo problem Portugal refuse to address
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:
We have seen for now the third tournament running, Portugal’s entry be clouded by what role Cristiano Ronaldo would play in their team. The answer in 2026 as the same as it was in 2016. He was the main man.
In the past, that had to be the case because the quality behind him was lacking. Now? He arguably has the best midfield five supporting him and if anything, he appears to be limiting them.
More often than not, Ronaldo appeared to just be taking up space. Of the Portugal starting XI, only Bernardo Silva touched the ball on fewer occasions. He took 26 touches to Ronaldo’s 29. He was also substituted at half-time. Ronaldo played the full 90.
Roberto Martinez chose to ignore this. Ronaldo’s team-mates persisted at trying to find him at all costs. At times, their unselfishness to feed the No 7 looked costly. They were squandering better chances to give him the service.
Ronaldo would have watched Lionel Messi score a hat-trick. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe both bagged braces. All three of those happened the day before. This was his response. And it was a poor one.
It begs the question. What should his role be? Should he really start when Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday?
Martinez: Portugal can grow from draw
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez speaking with FIFA:
“We started the match very well. Scoring should have been a great moment, but it wasn’t. I think we lost a bit of our attacking depth, lost fluency in possession, and allowed them to regain their shape somewhat.
“The confidence they gained after the goal made the game very difficult, but that’s what happens at World Cups. I’m very satisfied with the team’s attitude. It wasn’t a problem of lacking commitment or heart; we kept trying until the very end. We can grow a lot from this match.”
Wissa: Scoring the nation’s first World Cup goal a ‘huge source of pride’
Dr Congo players celebrate scoring their first ever goal at a World Cup
DR Congo goalscorer Yoane Wissa speaking with FIFA:
“I’m obviously very proud today because we’ve worked extremely hard. It was a very difficult match against a team that was stronger than us. But we showed courage and resilience. Scoring our first goal is a huge source of pride because it reflects the character of this team. The most important thing now is to keep going.”
