Cristiano Ronaldo has waited patiently for his first outing at World Cup 2026 and the sight of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe all shining in their first appearances of the tournament will have fired up the Portugal leader even more.
In his sixth – and presumably final – World Cup, Ronaldo will look to guide a team with huge strength in depth behind him towards the latter stages despite questions over whether he is now more hindrance than help to head coach Roberto Martinez.
They begin their Group K campaign with a moderately tricky assignment against a DR Congo side that took the long route towards qualification but are expected to put up a reasonable fight in a pool also featuring Colombia and debutants Uzbekistan.
Follow all the action below:
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
73’ – It is still so slow from Portugal in the build-up. When will they start taking some risks?
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
71’ – Leao and Semedo are on for Portugal. Neto and Mendes step off. We’re playing again.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
63’ – DRC send in a long throw from the left that is nodded on for Kapuadi to head wide.
Portugal are becoming a bit tetchy, whining at the referee over marginal calls, and presently look a little lost for alternative ideas beyond playing short passes sideways. And, really, you cannot even blame Ronaldo for their passivity because the service to him has been poor.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
62’ – Portugal’s possession share has dropped to 76% for those still keeping track. Their threat remains minimal.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
60’ – Portugal have a corner. This time Mendes takes it towards Ronaldo but Wissa gets to it first, heading away. A waste.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
59’ – Mendes is down injured after Wan-Bissaka collides with him. Portugal kick the ball out of play. Mendes will be fine, it’s just a knock on the ankle, and does not require treatment. DRC give the ball back from the throw-in, which was very generous of them.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
57’ – DRC’s first change sees Mukau replaced by Sadiki, of Sunderland.
