DR Congo opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a spirited 1-1 draw against Portugal in Houston, in a match watched from the stands by DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe.
The presence of both high-profile figures underlined the significance of the occasion for the Central African nation, who are competing at a World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they participated as Zaire.
Tshisekedi, accompanied by his wife Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, arrived in Houston ahead of the match, joining Motsepe in a strong show of support for the Leopards.
The Congolese team have based their tournament operations in the city, training at SaberCats Stadium and staying at the Omni Houston Hotel.
On the pitch, Portugal made the stronger start and took the lead through João Neves, who converted from close range after a precise assist from Pedro Neto.
Neves guided his header into the top corner to give the European side early control of the contest.
However, DR Congo responded with determination and gradually grew into the game, creating several attacking moments.
Their persistence paid off when Yoane Wissa restored parity, finishing clinically from close range after a well-delivered cross from Arthur Masuaku. Wissa’s goal brought the score to 1-1 and shifted momentum in favour of the African side.
From that point, the game became increasingly balanced, with both teams pushing for a winner.
Portugal attempted to reassert their dominance through possession and structured attacks, while Congo looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
The most dramatic moment came late in the game when Cedric Bakambu almost secured a famous victory for the Leopards.
The forward found space inside the penalty area and struck a powerful effort, but his shot came back off the right post, denying what would have been a decisive winner.
The match ultimately ended level, with both sides taking a point from their opening Group stage fixture.
For DR Congo, the result was greeted positively given the strength of their opposition and the symbolic importance of their return to football’s biggest stage.
The sight of President Tshisekedi and CAF President Motsepe watching from the stands added further weight to a night that highlighted African presence at the global tournament.
The Leopards also received a warm reception in Houston, where members of the Congolese community gathered to welcome the team on arrival and create a lively atmosphere around their base camp.
With their opening match completed, DR Congo now turn their attention to the remainder of their group fixtures, carrying both belief and momentum from a hard-earned draw against one of Europe’s traditional
