Joao Neves gave the European side an early lead, but Yoane Wissa restored parity in first-half stoppage time to secure DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup point in just their second tournament appearance, 52 years after their debut as Zaire in 1974.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s game by numbers vs. DR Congo:
25 touches
19/21 successful passes
5 touches in the opp. box
1 pass into the final third
0/3 shots on targetThey kept him quiet. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/cFu8lbulgb
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 17, 2026
While Mbappe, Haaland and Messi all found the net in their respective openers, Ronaldo could not add his name to the list, drawing a blank as Portugal stuttered against a side ranked far below them.
It was a result few expected, and one that leaves Roberto Martinez’s side with work to do as they look to bounce back in their second group fixture.
Photo: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes