Cristiano Ronaldo continues Barren Run for Portugal after drawing blank against Congo

In what was expected to be a straightforward victory for one of Europe’s powerhouses, Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by debutants DR Congo in their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday (June 17).

The result marked a historic moment for the African nation, who claimed their first-ever World Cup point and goal, while raising fresh questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at age 41.

João Neves gave Portugal a dream start with a header in the 6th minute, assisted by Pedro Neto. The young midfielder celebrated by pointing to the sky in tribute to the late Diogo Jota, with both teams wearing black armbands in his memory. Portugal dominated possession and created several chances, but struggled to convert their control into a second goal.

DR Congo, organized and resilient under coach Sébastien Desabre, grew into the game. Just before halftime, in the 45+5th minute, Yoane Wissa powered home a brilliant header from Arthur Masuaku’s corner kick. It was DR Congo’s first-ever goal at a World Cup and secured a famous equalizer. The Leopards defended stoutly in the second half, frustrating Portugal’s attacks despite a bicycle kick from João Cancelo that was ruled out for offside.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ongoing Drought

Cristiano Ronaldo has continued his barren run in major tournaments. The Portuguese captain has now gone 10 consecutive games (World Cup and Euro) without scoring for his country, despite registering 33 shots and 11 on target across those matches. In this opener, Ronaldo was largely kept quiet, with limited clear-cut chances.

The Portugal star played his 229th match for his country, and already has 143 international goals to his name. In the World Cups, Cristiano Ronaldo has 8 goals, far behind his contemporary Lionel Messi, whose hat-trick against Algeria earlier meant the Argentine is now joint most scorer in World Cups with 16 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo Goalless Run for Portugal in Major Tournaments

FIFA World Cup 2022

❌ vs. Uruguay
❌ vs. South Korea
❌ vs. Switzerland
❌ vs. Morocco

Euro 2024

❌ vs. Czechia
❌ vs. Türkiye
❌ vs. Georgia
❌ vs. Slovenia
❌ vs. France

World Cup 2026

❌ vs. DR Congo