World Cup
5:00 PMJune 17, 2026
Group Stage – 1
NRG Stadium
Referee: Abdulrahman Al-Jassim, Qatar
Portugal
World Class
0
Solid
0
Bang Average
0
Lucky
0
Shocking
0
Congo DR
World Class
0
Solid
0
Bang Average
0
Lucky
0
Shocking
0
Match Stats
Lineups
Head-2-Head
Standings
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0.62
Expected goals (xG)
0.82
-0.47
Goals Prevented
-0.47
Passing
713 (92%)
Accurate passes
197 (79%)
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1
G
Diogo Costa
25
D
Nuno Mendes
13
D
Renato Veiga
D
Tomás Araújo
90+2′ Roughing
20
D
João Cancelo
23
M
Vitinha
M
Pedro Neto
6′
8
M
Bruno Fernandes
M
Bernardo Silva
13′ Tripping
7
F
Cristiano Ronaldo (C)
Substitutes
11
F
João Félix
F
Gonçalo Ramos
83′ Replaced by Vitinha
19
F
Gonçalo Guedes
16
F
Francisco Trincão
21
M
Rúben Neves
24
M
Samú Costa
6
M
Matheus Nunes
14
D
Gonçalo Inácio
5
D
Diogo Dalot
3
D
Rúben Dias
22
G
Rui Silva
12
G
José Sá
F
Rafael Leão
71′ Replaced by P. NetoD
Nélson Semedo
88′Holding
72′ Replaced by N. MendesF
Francisco Conceição
46′ Replaced by B. Silva
1
G
Lionel Mpasi Nzau
D
Arthur Masuaku
45+5′
3
D
Steve Kapuadi
4
D
Axel Tuanzebe
D
Chancel Mbemba (C)
32′ Roughing
2
D
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
25
M
Edo Kayembe
8
M
Samuel Moutoussamy
6
M
Ngal’ayel Mukau
17
F
Cédric Bakambu
F
Yoane Wissa
85′ Replaced by C. Bakambu
19
F
Fiston Mayele
13
F
Meschak Elia
11
M
Gaël Kakuta
9
F
Brian Cipenga
M
Charles Pickel
74′ Replaced by E. Kayembe
15
M
Aaron Tshibola
10
M
Théo Bongonda
7
F
Nathanaël Mbuku
D
Gedeon Kalulu
85′ Replaced by A. Wan-BissakaD
Joris Kayembe
74′ Replaced by A. Masuaku
5
D
Dylan Batubinsika
21
G
Matthieu Epolo
16
G
Timothy Fayulu
M
Noah Sadiki
57′ Replaced by N. MukauNo standings data available for this league
Portugal and Congo DR played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at NRG Stadium, with João Neves’ early strike canceled out by Yoane Wissa’s stoppage-time leveler in a World Cup clash that saw the Portuguese dominate possession but fail to convert their advantage.
Portugal arrived in Houston seeking to build momentum in their World Cup campaign. The team controlled the midfield with precision and intent, looking to impose their rhythm on proceedings from the opening whistle.
The hosts made a dream start. Just six minutes into the match, João Neves fired Portugal ahead with a clinical finish. The midfielder struck with confidence to give his team an early advantage and settle the crowd at NRG Stadium.
Portugal’s early dominance was evident in their possession statistics. They controlled nearly 75 percent of the ball and dictated play through crisp passing and intelligent movement. Bruno Fernandes orchestrated play from midfield with typical composure.
Congo DR struggled to find their footing in the opening stages. The visitors managed only 25 percent possession and faced constant pressure from the Portuguese midfield. They absorbed the pressure defensively and looked to hit on the counter-attack when opportunities arose.
The first half saw Portugal create chances but fail to add to their lead. Despite their dominance, Neves’ early goal remained the only score at the interval. The hosts registered seven total shots, though only one found the target.
However, Congo DR emerged with renewed purpose after halftime. Yoane Wissa proved a constant threat on the wing and caused problems for Portugal’s defense with his pace and directness.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Wissa struck in the 45th minute of the second half to level the match and snatch an unlikely point for the visitors. His goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and denied Portugal victory.
Portugal pressed for a winner in the closing stages. Nélson Semedo and Tiago Aráujo received yellow cards as frustration mounted. Despite their efforts, the hosts could not break through Congo DR’s resolute defense.
The statistics underlined Portugal’s control. They completed 772 passes with 92 percent accuracy and created 0.62 expected goals. Congo DR managed just 250 passes but matched Portugal’s expected goals at 0.82, showing their efficiency in limited chances.
Neves earned a rating of 8.0 for his goal-scoring display. Fernandes contributed with a 7.9 rating despite not adding to the scoreline. Wissa’s 7.2 rating reflected his impact as a substitute who changed the match’s complexion.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in their remaining World Cup fixtures. Portugal dominated but failed to convert their superiority into three points. Congo DR’s resilience and late equalizer showed character and fighting spirit when it mattered most.
