Ronaldo flatters to deceive as Portugal slump to DR Congo draw

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during his first performance in 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 of the game as Roberto Martinez's side failed to get out of first gear in Houston.

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.

João Neves is the third youngest Portuguese scorer at the World Cup (21 years, 263 days), behind Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006 (21 years, 132 days) and Gonçalo Ramos in 2022 (21 years, 169 days). pic.twitter.com/47gVZEu01w

DR Congo remained stubborn and were rewarded with their first ever 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.

1 - Yoane Wissa has netted 🇨🇩 Congo DR's first ever FIFA World Cup goal.It's the first time a country's first goal has been scored by a player who plays for a @premierleague club since Everton's Tim Cahill scored 🇦🇺 Australia's first in 2006.History. pic.twitter.com/mxFsBaERkn