World Cup group stage: Portugal 1-0 DR Congo

World Cup group stage: Portugal 1-0 DR Congo

• 32'

  Chancel Mbemba is booked after a foul on Neto.

• 27'

  We are back from the hydration break. It’s been pretty easy for Portugal so far, as DR Congo are still playing defensively, knowing that it'll be over if they concede another goal.

• A fun fact: Joao Neves, 21, who scored the opening goal, wasn't even born when Ronaldo first represented Portugal at a major tournament, Euro 2004.

• 24'

  Time for a cooling break.

• 18'

  Bruno Fernandes made a lofted pass into the path of Nuno Mendes, who burst into the box between the defenders. When he was about to shoot, Wan-Bissaka slid in to tackle the ball away. It hit the keeper’s chest and bounced out.

• 13'

  Bernardo Silva was booked for a tackle from behind. Ronaldo immediately ran over to protest, arguing that this was his teammate's first foul.

• 11'

  Congo had their first attack, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka advancing down the right before passing inside for Cedric Bakambu, whose shot was blocked before Yoane Wissa fired just wide with his left foot.

• 9'

  DR Congo are likely to change their defensive tactics, given that the goal difference is likely to decide which of the third-placed teams go through, and they probably are thinking about it now.

• Neves, at only 1.74m, is surprisingly good at aerial duels, which has been proven in his past seasons with Champions League winner PSG.

• 6'

  Goal for Portugal!

  DR Congo's tight block of defense was too preoccupied with marking Ronaldo that they totally forgot Joao Neves at the near post, who comfortably took a jump and headed past the keeper from Pedro Neto's cross.

  Portugal's Joao Neves (R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup Group K football match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, June 17, 2026. Photo by AP