Cristiano Ronaldo was the centre of attention as Portugal played out a 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston on 17 June. The Portugal star, competing in his sixth World Cup, failed to score as his side shared points in the Group K match. With this, Ronaldo has now has 10 consecutive major tournaments where he has failed to score for Portugal.
On the other hand, it was a first World Cup goal for DR Congo. The African nation gained their first-ever point in the FIFA World Cup in what was a historic result for them. In another match, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to get off to a flying start in this World Cup. Meanwhile, Ghana beat Panama 1-0, riding on a very late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.
Ronaldo becomes oldest player to start WC match
At 41 years and 132 days old, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match. Ronaldo became the second-oldest player to play in the tournament. Ahead of him is Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who played against Russia in 1994 at the age of 42 years and 39 days.
Portugal vs Congo match summary
- In the sixth minute, Portugal’s midfielder Joao Neves headed Pedro Neto’s cross to put the team 1-0 ahead.
- In first-half stoppage time, Yoane Wissa headed Arthur Masuaku’s cross for Congo to score. The score became 1-1.
Cristiano Ronaldo targeted with ‘Messi’ chants by fans
Ronaldo entered the game, becoming only the second player ever to feature in six editions of the men’s football World Cup. The Ronaldo vs Messi debate gained steam after Lionel Messi scored a sensational hat-trick to help Argentina beat Algeria earlier in the day.
After that Messi performance, there were expectations on him to perform as well. But the 41-year-old failed to make his presence felt. After the match was over, a section of fans was seen chanting ‘Messi’ at Ronaldo as he was leaving the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated with Diogo Costa, argues with referee
Portugal had obtained a lead in the sixth minute of the match, with Joao Neves scoring on his World Cup debut. But shortly before the half-time whistle, Congo equalised through Yoane Wissa, who headed into the goal.
After the goal, Ronaldo was visibly unhappy with Costa and made his feelings known. Ronaldo also argued with the referee after teammate Bernardo Silva was shown a yellow card for a tackle.
Congo’s first World Cup goal
This was Congo’s first World Cup goal in history. Before this, the team had played the World Cup in 1974 under the name Zaire, but could not score any goals then. After the goal, Wissa said, ‘After 52 years, we have returned to the World Cup. This goal is very special for me, my family, and the whole of Congo.’
Congo’s Yoane Wissa celebrating the goal.
Ronaldo’s missed goal opportunities
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo searched for a goal throughout the match, but without success. He missed two good opportunities in the 68th and 73rd minutes. Both times his shot went wide to the right of the goalpost. In the 90th minute, Bruno Fernandes also had a chance to score the winning goal, but his attempt also missed the target.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction after missing a shot.
Portugal found an opportunity to take the lead in the 69th minute of the match when a pass was made into the box. Had Ronaldo left the ball, Bruno Fernandes, who was right behind him, could have had a better chance at scoring.
But Ronaldo decided to latch onto the patch and, despite having a tough chance, attempted the shot, which went wide of the target. Bruno, who would have probably expected the ball to come to him, cried out in disappointment.
After the match, Ronaldo penned a social media post in Portuguese, urging his team to focus on the next match.
Portugal’s goal disallowed due to offside
Portugal put the ball in the net once more in the second half. In the 55th minute, Joao Cancelo scored with a spectacular bicycle kick, but he was ruled offside after a VAR check. On the other hand, Congo also came close to victory, but Cdric Bakambu’s shot hit the post and went wide.
England gain redemption for 2018 heartbreak vs Croatia
England gained revenge against Croatia after being knocked out by them at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Facing Luka Modric and co, England dished out a dominant performance to outclass Croatia 4-2. Harry Kane provided England with the lead in the 12th minute.
Harry Kane (Credits: AP)
Croatia, however were not done. Martin Baturina (36′) levelled for Croatia before Kane once again restored England’s lead in the 42nd. Petar Musa made it 2-2 for Croatia just before the break. In the second half, England rode on goals from Jude Bellingham (47′) and Marcus Rashford (85′) to seal a winning start.
Ghana, Colombia win
Ghana, meanwhile, rode on a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi to beat Panama 1-0 in a Group L FIFA World Cup 2026 clash in Toronto. With this win, Ghana moved to the second spot on the points table, with England at the top. Meanwhile, Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to register a winning start to their campaign with goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz.
