Texas: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo struck a defiant tone after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Democratic Republic of the Congo in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting the team must quickly move on from the disappointing result.
Taking to social media after the match, Ronaldo acknowledged that Portugal had failed to make the start they wanted but stressed that the campaign remains wide open.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game,” the veteran forward wrote on X.
Não era o arranque que queríamos, mas isto está longe de ter acabado. Cabeça levantada e foco no próximo jogo. pic.twitter.com/YoH3RQcz9z
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 17, 2026
The result added to a frustrating night for Ronaldo, who struggled to influence proceedings as Portugal failed to capitalize on an early lead. The 41-year-old forward managed just 25 touches throughout the contest, attempted three shots without testing the goalkeeper and won only one duel, reflecting the effectiveness of the Congolese defence in keeping him quiet.
The outing also ranked among the least influential World Cup performances of Ronaldo’s illustrious career, marking the second-lowest touch count he has recorded in a World Cup start. His scoring drought in major tournaments also extended, with the Portuguese star now going 10 consecutive appearances without finding the net.
Despite dominating possession for long stretches, Portugal were unable to secure all three points after DR Congo responded strongly following an early setback.
Roberto Martinez’s side made a dream start when João Neves headed home in the sixth minute. A precise delivery from Pedro Neto found Neves inside the box, and the midfielder powered his effort into the far corner for his fourth international goal.
However, Portugal’s intensity dipped after the breakthrough. While they controlled possession, clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to create, allowing DR Congo to remain firmly in the contest.
The African side found their reward deep into first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa slipped away from his marker and headed in a cross from Arthur Masuaku to level the scores.
Portugal thought they had restored their advantage shortly after the restart when João Cancelo produced an acrobatic finish, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
DR Congo nearly turned the match on its head moments later as Cédric Bakambu shrugged off Bruno Fernandes before striking the post, exposing vulnerabilities in the Portuguese defence.
Substitute Francisco Conceição injected energy into Portugal’s attack in the closing stages and created several openings, including chances for Ronaldo. But the veteran striker was unable to convert as Portugal’s struggles in front of goal continued.
Despite sustained late pressure, Portugal could not find a breakthrough, while DR Congo defended resolutely to secure a memorable point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
The draw leaves Portugal with work to do in Group L, while DR Congo will take confidence from a disciplined display against one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.
