Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal vs DR Congo ended in frustration in Houston on Wednesday, as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group K match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo entered the game under heavy attention after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina a night earlier, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also struck twice in their opening matches.

For more World Cup coverage, read Portugal vs DR Congo: Cristiano Ronaldo begins sixth World Cup campaign in Houston. Fans can also follow official tournament updates through the FIFA World Cup website.

Ronaldo kept quiet in Houston

Ronaldo did not score and failed to register a shot on goal, making it a flat start to his sixth World Cup campaign.

Portugal went ahead through João Neves, whose headed goal gave the favourites early control. Neves was not even born when Ronaldo played his first World Cup match, adding a sharp generational contrast to the night.

DR Congo fought back late in the first half to make it 1-1 before the interval. From there, Portugal struggled to turn possession into clean chances.

Portugal drop early Group K points

Ronaldo’s first clear chance came in the 68th minute, when a pass arrived slightly behind him inside the box and he fired wide.

He missed wide again in the 74th minute, then barely connected with a stoppage-time header that did not trouble the goalkeeper.

The result gives DR Congo a strong start in their second World Cup appearance, while Portugal will feel they missed a chance to take early control of Group K.

For Ronaldo, the match will sharpen debate over whether he can still shape games at the highest level. Portugal remain a strong side, but their attack will need more cutting edge after a quiet night in front of goal.