Portugal Draws with DR Congo, Then Defeats Uzbekistan in World Cup Group K

Portugal's Group K Campaign: A Draw and a Dominant Win

Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup journey in Group K with a mixed bag of results: a frustrating 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by a commanding 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

In their opening match in Houston, Texas, Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo played out a 1-1 draw.

Portugal struck first in the sixth minute. Joao Neves scored with a header from a Pedro Neto cross. However, DR Congo equalized in first-half stoppage time through a Yoane Wissa header, earning the nation its first-ever point at a World Cup finals.

Despite 75% possession, Portugal managed only one shot on target. DR Congo actually finished with a higher expected goals (xG) total.

Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, started and played the full match. According to reports, he has scored just one goal in 11 appearances across the 2022 World Cup, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup combined.

Additional incidents included a Joao Cancelo goal being disallowed for offside, and DR Congo's Cedric Bakambu hitting the post. Bernardo Silva was substituted at half-time.

A somber moment preceded the match. A black-and-white image of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July 2025, was shown on the stadium screen. Some Portuguese players wore wristbands in his memory.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez stated: "What matters now is that we get to fight for one of his dreams, which is winning the World Cup. There's no greater motivation than keeping his spirit alive in the national team."

Jota's parents were VIP guests at the match.

Portugal bounced back strongly in their second Group K match, also in Houston, defeating Uzbekistan 3-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, netting in the 6th and 39th minutes. His first was a right-footed volley from inside the area following a Joao Cancelo cross. His second came from a pass by Bruno Fernandes. Nuno Mendes added the third goal in the 17th minute from a set piece.

(Note: One source reported the final score as 5-0, while another confirmed 3-0. The following key events were reported.)

• Uzbekistan had a goal disallowed in the 29th minute when Aziz Ganiev's strike was ruled out by VAR for a foul on Joao Cancelo by Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
• Ronaldo missed a chance for a hat-trick in first-half stoppage time when his shot was cleared off the line by Abdukodir Khusanov.
• Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov argued that Joao Cancelo should have been booked for a foul in the 23rd minute, but no card was issued.