World Cup 2026: Wissa earns DR Congo a point against Portugal

DR Congo opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston on 17 June, in Group K. Yoane Wissa cancelled out João Neves’s opener in first-half added time. For a side returning to the competition after appearing as Zaire in 1974, the point provides an unbeaten start.

Portugal went ahead in the sixth minute when Neves headed in Pedro Neto’s cross. Congo’s response came at 45+5 minutes: Wissa also scored with a header, meeting a delivery from Arthur Masuaku. FIFA’s match report credits Neto and Masuaku with the respective assists.

Wissa’s goal also carries historical significance. The Associated Press account published by ESPN identifies it as the national team’s first World Cup goal. In their previous appearance, in 1974, they had failed to score in all three matches.

The second half brought no change to the score. Associated Press reports that João Cancelo had a goal ruled out for offside and that Cédric Bakambu subsequently struck the post. Those incidents underline that the Leopards also had an opportunity to move ahead, rather than simply protect the eventual point.

The official statistics put Portugal’s possession advantage in perspective: 75 per cent of the ball, but seven attempts and one shot on target, compared with Congo’s eight attempts and two on target. Chancel Mbemba captained the Leopards, with Lionel Mpasi in goal and Bakambu and Wissa in the starting side.

Both teams therefore take one point from their opening match. Congo’s next group assignment is Colombia, offering an opportunity to build on this unbeaten start before the final group fixture against Uzbekistan.