Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, with João Neves heading home in the 6th minute before Yoane Wissa’s 45’+5′ equaliser ensured the points were shared in Houston. It was a result shaped by Portugal’s control and Congo DR’s resilience.

Portugal made the sharper start and found their breakthrough almost immediately. João Neves rose to score with a header in the 6th minute, rewarding an early spell of pressure in which Portugal moved the ball crisply and pinned Congo DR back. With 75.4 percent possession across the match, Portugal dictated territory for long stretches and looked well placed to build on their lead.

Yet the opening goal did not lead to the second strike Portugal needed. Despite their dominance of the ball, they managed only one shot on target from seven attempts, a statistic that summed up a performance with control but not enough incision. Congo DR, by contrast, were more direct whenever possession turned over, finishing with eight shots and two efforts on target despite seeing far less of the ball.

The African side stayed in the fixture through disciplined defending and timely interventions, even after Chancel Mbemba went into the book in the 32nd minute. Portugal also had to manage their own discipline, with Bernardo Silva shown a yellow card in the 13th minute before late cautions for Nélson Semedo in the 88th minute and Tomás Araújo in stoppage time.

The pivotal moment arrived deep into first-half added time. In the 45’+5′ minute, Yoane Wissa met the delivery with a header to bring Congo DR level at 1-1, a major swing just before the interval and a deserved reward for a side that had grown into the contest. Instead of going into the break chasing the match, Congo DR reset on even terms and carried belief into the second half.

After the restart, Portugal continued to probe but rarely turned pressure into clear chances. Their five corners and sustained possession suggested territorial command, but Congo DR remained compact and threatened enough on transitions to keep the European side wary. The second half ended scoreless, with both teams cancelling each other out in the decisive moments.

Key performers

João Neves stood out for Portugal, not only for his 6th-minute header but for the energy he brought to the right side of midfield as Portugal tried to quicken the tempo. For Congo DR, Wissa was the decisive figure, taking his chance in the 45’+5′ minute and delivering the goal that changed the complexion of the match. Mbemba also played an important role in helping Congo DR absorb pressure after the break.

NerdSports Stat: Portugal finished with 75.4% possession but only one shot on target, meaning their sole effort on frame was also their only goal of the match.

The draw leaves both teams with a point in Group K and keeps the section finely balanced after the opening round of fixtures. Portugal will feel it was an opportunity missed after scoring early, while Congo DR can take real encouragement from earning a result against one of the group’s biggest names. With the table still tight, the next fixture already carries added significance for both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored in Portugal vs Congo DR?

João Neves (6′) scored for Portugal, and Yoane Wissa (45’+5′) scored for Congo DR.

What was the final score?

Portugal 1 – 1 Congo DR.

What does this result mean for the table?

Both teams begin Group K with one point, leaving the group evenly poised after the opening fixture.

Who was the man of the match?

Yoane Wissa was the standout performer with Congo DR’s equalising goal in the 45’+5′ minute.