Portugal’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign got off to a rocky start on Thursday, as the 2016 European champions were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by a resilient and historic DR Congo side at the Waldstadion.
All eyes were on Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo as he embarked on what is widely expected to be his fifth and final World Cup journey. However, the night belonged to the Leopards of DR Congo, who produced a heroic defensive display to not only secure their first-ever point on football’s grandest stage but also score their first-ever goal in the tournament.
The European heavyweights drew first blood in the 37th minute. After a period of sustained pressure, Bruno Fernandes was hauled down inside the box, leaving referee Raphael Claus with no choice but to point to the spot. Ronaldo, stepping up with his characteristic composure, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to slot home his 12th career World Cup goal, momentarily giving Portugal the lead and silencing the boisterous Congolese supporters.
It seemed as though the favorites would cruise to a routine victory, but DR Congo had other plans. The Leopards, who have often been the underdogs in their previous World Cup appearances, refused to be overawed by the occasion. Their persistence paid off spectacularly in the 67th minute.
A swift counter-attack caught the Portuguese defense napping. Brentford striker Yoane Wissa broke down the left flank before cutting the ball back to the edge of the box. There, captain Chancel Mbemba, who had pushed forward from defense, unleashed a ferocious, unstoppable strike that flew past a sprawling Diogo Costa into the top corner. The stadium erupted as Mbemba wheeled away in celebration—a strike that will forever be etched into the history books of Congolese football.
“We knew we had to be perfect defensively, and we almost were,” said DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre after the match. “To score our first goal and earn our first point against a team of Portugal’s caliber is a monumental achievement for our nation. The boys showed the heart of Leopards tonight.”
For Portugal, the result was a frustrating reminder of the fine margins at this level. Coach Roberto Martinez lamented his side’s wastefulness in front of goal. “We created enough chances to win two matches, but we lacked the clinical edge in the final third,” Martinez stated. “We gave away a sloppy goal and paid the price. We have to be sharper.”
The Portuguese attack, which featured the likes of Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva, repeatedly carved open the Congolese defense but were met by a wall of blue shirts and a stunning performance from goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud, who made several critical saves to deny Ronaldo a second and Leão a late winner.
The result puts Group F on notice. While Portugal will look to bounce back against a difficult opponent in their next fixture, the Leopards will carry immense belief into their subsequent match, having proven they can match it with the world’s best.
For the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday was not just a draw; it was a declaration. The Leopards have officially arrived on the World Cup stage, leaving their claw marks on a tournament that now has a new, unlikely hero.
