Portugal 1-1 DR Congo: Ronaldo's Record and Scoreless Drought in Focus

Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign began with a shock on June 17, 2026, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston. The result was defined by a record-setting but frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo and a historic milestone for the Leopards.

Match Summary

Portugal opened the scoring early. Midfielder João Neves met a cross from Pedro Neto in the 6th minute, heading the ball past the DR Congo goalkeeper for an early lead .

DR Congo equalized just before halftime. In first-half stoppage time (45+5'), Yoane Wissa powered in a header from an Arthur Masuaku cross, silencing the Portuguese fans and sending a jolt of energy through the Congolese side .

The second half was scoreless. DR Congo's defense held firm, absorbing Portuguese pressure. Portugal managed only seven shots in the match — their joint-fewest in a World Cup game since facing South Korea in 2002 .

Cristiano Ronaldo's Record Appearance and Scoreless Drought

At 41 years old, Ronaldo became the oldest player to ever start a World Cup match . He also appeared in his sixth World Cup (2006–2026), a record he shares with Lionel Messi .

But the night was not celebratory. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes and registered zero shots on target with only 25 touches — his fewest in any major tournament start where he completed the match .

He has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament matches for Portugal without a goal, the worst such drought of his international career . This streak includes a scoreless run in World Cup matches that now stretches to five straight games . His last non-penalty goal in a major competition came on June 19, 2021 .

Roberto Martinez's Defense of and Warning to His Captain

After the match, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez faced questions about Ronaldo's role.

Defense: Martinez said there was "no sense" in substituting Ronaldo, arguing: "When we're looking for a goal, Cristiano has to be on the field" . He described Ronaldo as "important" and stated that decisions about the captain are based on physical fitness and team needs, not age .

Warning: Martinez also acknowledged the performance was not good enough. He said "at times the performance is not up to the challenge," signaling that improvements are required from the entire team, including his captain .

Group K Standings

After the first round of Group K matches (Portugal 1-1 DR Congo; Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan), the table is :

Pos	Team	PTS	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
1	Colombia	3	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2
2	DR Congo	1	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
3	Portugal	1	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
4	Uzbekistan	0	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2

Portugal sits third on goal difference behind Colombia and level on points with DR Congo .

Significance of DR Congo's Historic Point

This match marked DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal and first-ever World Cup point in their tournament history . The Leopards, playing in only their second World Cup (the first was in 1974 as Zaire), held one of the tournament favorites to a draw and emerged as a genuine contender for knockout qualification from Group K .