Lisbon: Portugal stumbled, only managing a 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup. In the 2026 World Cup, Portugal, a strong team from Europe and ranked 5th in the world, stumbled, only managing a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, the representative from Africa.
According to Thai News Agency, the 2026 World Cup match last night (June 17, 2026), a midnight game, saw Portugal, a strong team from Europe ranked 5th in the world, face DR Congo, the representative from Africa ranked 46th in the world.
Just six minutes into the first half, Portugal took a quick lead when Pedro Neto crossed the ball to the front of the goal, where Joo Neves headed it beautifully into the net, giving the Sele§o a 1-0 lead. The first half looked set to end with Portugal leading, but in injury time (45+5 minutes), DR Congo equalized 1-1. From a corner kick, Arthur Masuaku delivered a curving ball to the far post, where Yoan Wissa headed it powerfully into the back of the net, leaving Diogo Costa with no chance. The first half ended with this score.
In the second half, in the 54th minute, Joo Cancelo put the ball into the net, but the referee ruled it offside, denying him a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Two minutes later, DR Congo almost pulled off a shock lead when C©dric Bakambu dispossessed Bruno Fernandes and took a quick shot that unfortunately hit the outside of the post. Neither team could score again in the final minutes, and the match ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the points.
The next matches for Portugal will be against Uzbekistan, while the Democratic Republic of Congo will play against Colombia.