Portugal, Ronaldo frustrated in opening draw with Congo DR - ESPN

Congo DR produced a stunning result at the 2026 World Cup as the African side won their first-ever point in the tournament by holding one of the pre-tournament favorites, Portugal, to a 1-1 draw in Houston on Wednesday.

Congo DR, who were playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, became the second African nation to make a strong start in the tournament against European competition following Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday.

Playing in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators at NRG Stadium, which was mostly filled with Portugal supporters, Congo DR were making only their second World Cup appearance. The first came in 1974, when the team was known as Zaire.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi as the only men to play in six World Cups and, aged 41 years and 132 days, he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. But the forward cut a frustrated figure in attack.

João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the sixth minute. The 5-foot-7 midfielder headed in a cross from Pedro Neto.

Yoane Wissa equalized for Congo DR with a header in stoppage time at the end of the first half off a cross from Arthur Masuaku, delighting the small pockets of blue-clad fans. It was Congo DR's first World Cup goal in the country's history.

Congo DR were shut out in their previous three World Cup matches, losing to Scotland (2-0), Yugoslavia (9-0) and reigning champion Brazil (3-0) at the 1974 tournament in West Germany.

Ronaldo had a chance to move out of a tie with Messi, who had a hat trick on Tuesday, by becoming the first player to score in a sixth tournament. Ronaldo missed shots wide right in the 68th and 73rd minutes. He shook his head in disgust after both.

Ronaldo finished without a shot on goal for