In Photos: Ronaldo’s Portugal settle for draw against DR Congo

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo endured a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as underdogs DR Congo battled to a spirited 1-1 draw against the UEFA Nations League champions (Source: Photo by AP)

Despite creating chances, Portugal failed to secure victory as DR Congo produced a resilient performance to earn a hard-fought point, leaving Ronaldo and his teammates frustrated after their opening World Cup clash (Source: Photo by AP)

Ronaldo’s perils had seen him take only three attempts at goal all through the 90 minutes, with each of the three strikes flying wide off the target (Source: Photo by AP)

In a match where a sixth-minute header from mid-fielder Joao Neves put Portugal out front, their heavy possession play in the first half was stubbed by an equaliser from Yoane Wissa seconds before half-time (Source: Photo by AP)

Ronaldo missed a few chances to become the first player to score in a sixth tournament (Source: Photo by AP)

Bruno Fernandes also had a chance to put Portugal on top in the 90th minute but his shot was also wide right (Source: Photo by AP)

Congo DR, who were playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, became the second African nation to make a strong start in the tournament against European competition following Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday (Source: Photo by AP)

It was the fourth time in five World Cups that Portugal failed to win their first match (Source: Photo by AP)

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had gone 10 consecutive matches in major tournaments including the previous World Cup in 2022 and the 2024 European Championships without scoring (Source: Photo by AP)

After the rough start, Portugal will next take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday at the same venue before facing Colombia in their last group game on June 28 in Miami (Source: Photo by AP)