Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a draw against Congo. On a night when Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi all scored multiple goals to launch their teams' World Cup journeys in style, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a subdued performance in his tournament opener.

After Spain, Portugal also dropped points against African opposition in their first match. Ronaldo’s side took the lead against Congo in the sixth minute but conceded an equalizer late in the first half. Congo created the better chances after the break and ultimately held Portugal to a draw. In doing so, the African nation earned its first-ever point in a World Cup match. Congo had previously competed in the tournament as Zaire in 1974 but lost all three of its matches.

Wissa Scores First World Cup Goal for Congo

DR Congo competed in the 1974 World Cup under the name Zaire. The team lost all three matches, conceded 14 goals, and failed to score. Fifty-two years later, Congo returned to the World Cup after defeating Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs.

Congo marked its return by finding the net against Portugal in its opening match. Yoane Wissa scored the country's first-ever World Cup goal. Born in France, Wissa plays for English Premier League club Newcastle.