Wissa scores DR Congo’s first World Cup goal in 52 years

Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal to make it 1-1 against Portugal ↗1.48% in their Group K opener in Houston.ndtvprofit
João Neves had headed Portugal ahead early before Wissa capitalized on a corner in stoppage time, ending a 52-year wait since the nation last appeared as Zaire in 1974.ndtvprofit
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, became the first male player to appear in six World Cups but was kept quiet through the first half.nbcnews

Portugal and DR Congo Draw 1-1 at Halftime in World Cup Group K Opener

Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo are level at 1-1 at halftime in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K opener at NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday, a match that has already produced a historic moment for African football.

João Neves Strikes Early Before Wissa Equalizes

João Neves headed Portugal into the lead early in the first half as Roberto Martinez’s side looked to assert their dominance in a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan. But DR Congo refused to fold, and deep into first-half stoppage time, Yoane Wissa capitalized on sustained pressure following a corner to fire home an equalizer.ndtvprofit

Wissa’s goal was no ordinary strike. The Brentford forward scored DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, ending a 52-year wait for the nation that last appeared on football’s grandest stage as Zaire in 1974. In that tournament, Zaire lost all three group matches with a combined goal difference of 0-14. Wednesday’s performance already marks a departure from that painful chapter.wikipedia

Ronaldo’s Record Sixth World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal, becoming the first male player to appear in six FIFA World Cups. At 41, the match is widely viewed as the beginning of his World Cup farewell. Portugal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, while DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre set up with a deep defensive shape designed to frustrate and counter.nbcnews

The match follows Lionel Messi’s hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday, which tied Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record at 16 goals. All eyes were on whether Ronaldo could respond with a statement of his own, though he was kept quiet through the opening 45 minutes.indianexpress

A Historic Return for the Leopards

DR Congo’s appearance in this tournament represents the culmination of a long journey back to the World Cup. ESPN reported that the Leopards are Africa’s 10th country to compete in June’s expanded 48-team tournament. Their halftime draw against one of Europe’s strongest sides suggests Desabre’s tactical approach — sitting deep and striking on the counter — is bearing fruit in Houston, where the second half is now underway.espn