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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal Held to a 1-1 Draw by Congo at the World Cup

  • On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group K opener at Houston's NRG Stadium, marking a historic result for the African nation.
  • Yoane Wissa's stoppage-time header secured DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal, capping the team's return to the tournament after a 52-year absence since competing as Zaire in 1974.
  • Despite dominating 75 percent of possession, Portugal struggled to convert, while Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo failed to register a shot on target during his record-equaling sixth World Cup.
  • Both sides sit level in Group K with one point each, preparing for upcoming matches against Colombia and Uzbekistan to determine qualification for the knockout stages.
  • Portugal coach Roberto Martínez acknowledged the team's performance shortcomings, emphasizing tactical adjustments needed before facing Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23.
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327 Articles

Lean Left

The next surprise: Cristiano Ronaldo's Portuguese can't stand up against the DR Congo. The outsider plays a remis.

·Germany
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Far Left

Cristiano signs one of the weakest starts of his career in a World Cup after being annulled by the solid defensive wall of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lean Right

Cristiano Ronaldo is ridiculed with Messi-Rufen after a weak appearance at the 1–1 of Portugal against DR Congo at the World Cup.

·Berlin, Germany
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Lean Right

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't get going with Portugal against DR Congo at all. The old question already arises: Would they be better without Ronaldo?

·Berlin, Germany
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Lean Left

The Portuguese Vitinha had 128 passes and managed 121 of them at the Wednesday match against RD Congo, score 1-1, first for Portugal at the World Cup in 2026.

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AZCentral broke the news in Phoenix, United States on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
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