The Democratic Republic of the Congo drew 1-1 against Portugal in their debut at the 2026 World Cup on June 17. Yoane Wissa’s header at minute 45+5 meant the Leopards’ first goal and first point in a World Cup finals.
João Neves opened the scoring for Portugal in the 6th minute with a header after a precise cross. For much of the first half, the European team controlled possession, with around 65%, and created several chances. Cristiano Ronaldo had a discreet participation, with few touches of the ball and no shots on goal.
DR Congo remained organized in defense under the direction of coach Sébastien Desabre and with Chancel Mbemba as a reference at the back. The African team resisted the Portuguese arrivals and found equality before the break. Arthur Masuaku took a short corner, sent a cross to the far post and Wissa, with a precise jump, connected with a header that entered the top corner of Diogo Costa’s goal.
The goal represented the first goal in the history of DR Congo – formerly Zaire – in a World Cup, 52 years after their only previous participation, in Germany 1974.
In Kinshasa and other cities across the country, the goal sparked massive celebrations. The streets were filled with people, there were fireworks and chants that continued throughout the night. The draw against Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, was received as a milestone for Congolese football, comparable to the qualification achieved months ago against Jamaica.
Wissa, a 29-year-old Newcastle United striker, was the star of the match. In July 2021, when he was about to sign for Brentford, he suffered an acid attack at his home in France. A woman threw the corrosive liquid in his face, causing severe burns to his eyes and putting him on the verge of losing his vision. The attacker was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the attack and attempted kidnapping of her daughter. Wissa underwent emergency surgeries and months of recovery.
After the incident, the attacker rebuilt his career in the English Premier League. He accumulated 49 goals in 149 games with Brentford and moved to Newcastle in September 2025. With the DR Congo team he scored several international goals and scored the most important of his career.
The tie opened Group K unexpectedly. DR Congo has players with experience in the English Premier League, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku. Portugal, one of the favorite teams, added only one point in its first match.
The result represents a significant moment for a country returning to a World Cup after more than five decades. Wissa’s goal became the center of attention at the NRG Stadium and throughout the Congolese territory.