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

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal vs DR Congo became one of the major stories of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday after the Portugal captain failed to score in a 1-1 draw in Houston, missing the chance to become the first man to net at six different World Cups.

Portugal took an early lead through Joao Neves, but DR Congo hit back through Yoane Wissa before half-time and held firm for their first World Cup point. The result mattered because Ronaldo had the stage to answer Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, who all scored twice or more a day earlier.

For more on Portugal’s opener, read Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal vs DR Congo: Quiet World Cup opener ends in 1-1 draw, while tournament details are available through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Ronaldo Frustrated As Portugal Lose Control

Ronaldo started the match at 41 years and 132 days, becoming the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match.

Yet Portugal, despite having 75% possession, produced only seven shots and just one on target. That effort was Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header from Pedro Neto’s cross, a sharp start that soon faded into a slow and frustrated performance.

DR Congo grew into the match before half-time, with Yoane Wissa heading in a deserved equaliser. Portugal had the ball for long spells, but their rhythm in the final third never matched their control of possession.

Henry Says Ronaldo Blocked Better Chance

Ronaldo’s most debated moment came when he moved into the path of a cut-back that looked set for Bruno Fernandes near the penalty spot.

Speaking on Fox Sports, Thierry Henry said Ronaldo made the wrong decision.

"If he goes into the six-yard box, the defender would have had to follow him and it would have been a tap-in for Fernandes," said Henry.

"Because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the pass.

"That's my thing - the team needs to score, not you."

The move summed up a night when Ronaldo looked eager to end his scoring drought at major tournaments. He has now gone 10 straight games at major finals without scoring since his penalty against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.

Martinez Decision Comes Under Fire

Roberto Martinez kept Ronaldo on for the full match, even when Portugal needed more movement and sharper decision-making late on.

Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live as Goncalo Ramos replaced Vitinha in the 83rd minute, questioned the call.

"That's embarrassing from Martinez. It might work but are we all watching a different game?

"He's scared to take him off. He's not the manager. [Ronaldo] may end up scoring the winner but the game has passed him by today."

Ronaldo had two second-half chances after Francisco Conceicao came on at half-time. The first was behind him and drifted wide, while the second came under pressure and also missed the target.

Portugal Need More From Their Attack

Ronaldo finished with 25 touches, the fewest of Portugal’s outfield players who completed the match.

Wayne Rooney said after full-time: "His stats will never be the best," said Rooney at full-time. "What he needs is chances. If he gets good chances, he'll score goals."

Gael Clichy also suggested Ronaldo’s status can shape how team-mates play around him.

"We said at the beginning of the game that Ronaldo will be helping young players because of his character and experience, but sometimes unconsciously those kinds of players can kind of take too much light," he told BBC One.

For Portugal, the draw leaves immediate questions over balance, selection and whether their attack can function naturally with Ronaldo still at the centre of it.