Portugal become latest World Cup victim after DR Congo draw

Portugal have become the third top-20 nation to draw to a lower ranked team in as many days, after they were held to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

Midfielder Joao Neves headed Portugal ahead in the sixth minute but Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa responded deep into first-half stoppage time when he met Arthur Masuaku’s cross.

Portugal join Spain, who were held to a shock draw by Cape Verde, and Uruguay, who failed to beat Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

DR Congo’s only previous World Cup appearance in 1974 (as Zaire) ended with three defeats with them failing to hit the back of the net.

After Lionel Messi equalled his record last night, Cristiano Ronaldo will need to wait to score in his sixth World Cup final to retake it outright. He had two good chances to score in the second half but shot wide both times.

Wissa scored just three times in his first season at Newcastle, following his £55m move from Brentford last summer, but he showed the quality that convinced the Magpies to sign him when he rose highest to head past Diogo Costa.

For Portugal, they failed to capitalise on holding 75% of the possession. Bruno Fernandes did well to put Nuno Mendes in but his shot was saved by Lionel Mpasi. In the second half, Joao Cancelo thought he had restored Portugal’s lead when he put the ball in the back of the net, but the offside flag went up.

Portugal will look to get their first win of the tournament when they face Uzbekistan next Tuesday. DR Congo’s tournament doesn’t get easier – they face Colombia in the early hours next Wednesday.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Reception” by UKinUSA is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 .