The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team popularly known as Les Léopards marked their long‑awaited return to the World Cup with a memorable performance on 17 June 2026. Facing former European champions Portugal at Houston’s NRG Stadium, the Congolese side fell behind early but rallied to secure a 1‑1 draw, earning their first ever World Cup point.
Overview
Date: 17 June 2026 (Group K – World Cup 2026)
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Scoreline: Portugal 1 – 1 DR Congo
Goals: João Neves (POR) 6′; Yoane Wissa (DRC) 45+5′
Attendance: 68 777 spectators
Notable: DR Congo’s first World Cup goal and point; presence of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi in the stands.
A long‑awaited return
The match in Houston was DR Congo’s first appearance on the World Cup stage since 1974. In a pre‑match report, It was noted that President Félix Tshisekedi travelled to Houston with First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi to show support for the team and to rally national unity. The article highlighted how the Leopards’ return was more than just a sporting event; it symbolized a new chapter for a nation that had waited 52 years to see its colours on football’s biggest stage.
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DR Congo Earn Historic World Cup Draw Against Portugal
17 juin 2026
17 juin 2026
4 min read
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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team popularly known as Les Léopards marked their long‑awaited return to the World Cup with a memorable performance on 17 June 2026. Facing former European champions Portugal at Houston’s NRG Stadium, the Congolese side fell behind early but rallied to secure a 1‑1 draw, earning their first ever World Cup point.
Overview
Date: 17 June 2026 (Group K – World Cup 2026)
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Scoreline: Portugal 1 – 1 DR Congo
Goals: João Neves (POR) 6′; Yoane Wissa (DRC) 45+5′
Attendance: 68 777 spectators
Notable: DR Congo’s first World Cup goal and point; presence of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi in the stands.
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A long‑awaited return
The match in Houston was DR Congo’s first appearance on the World Cup stage since 1974. In a pre‑match report, It was noted that President Félix Tshisekedi travelled to Houston with First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi to show support for the team and to rally national unity. The article highlighted how the Leopards’ return was more than just a sporting event; it symbolized a new chapter for a nation that had waited 52 years to see its colours on football’s biggest stage.
The sense of pride was evident even before kick‑off. Another Xtrafrica feature explained how designer Alvin Junior Mak created the team’s Dark Moniama suits black outfits trimmed with leopard‑print details as a tribute to the 1974 team and to Congolese elegance. The outfits, inspired by the La Sape fashion movement, went viral on arrival in Houston and became a cultural talking point.
Match summary
Portugal began the game on the front foot. After just six minutes, João Neves headed home a Pedro Neto cross to put the Europeans ahead. Yet despite enjoying the bulk of possession, Roberto Martínez’s men failed to create clear opportunities; the early goal would be their only shot on target. Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and his defence limited Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence and kept Portugal at bay.
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DR Congo grew in confidence and struck back just before half‑time. In stoppage time, left‑back Arthur Masuaku delivered a pinpoint cross that found striker Yoane Wissa, who powered a header past Diogo Costa. The goal scored in the presence of President Tshisekedi was the Leopards’ first ever World Cup goal and ensured they went into the break level.
The second half saw Portugal push for a winner, but they were repeatedly denied by resolute defending and wasted chances. Congolese forward Cédric Bakambu even struck the post as his side looked to snatch a shock victory. Ultimately, neither team could break the deadlock; the match finished 1‑1, awarding each side a point and marking a historic achievement for DR Congo.
Tshisekedi’s presence and national pride
During the match, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi could be seen cheering from the stands. Reuters reported that he “cheered on at the stadium” while the Leopards fought back to draw. His attendance was part of a broader effort to show solidarity with the youth and promote national unity, as noted in Xtrafrica’s pre‑match article. For many Congolese, the president’s presence underscored the importance of football as a unifying force.
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Reactions and what’s next
After the game, DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre celebrated the draw, calling it “a step forward for us” and praising his players for giving everything against a fancied Portugal side. Portugal’s Roberto Martínez admitted his team failed to create enough chances and acknowledged that pressure may have weighed on his players.
With the result, both Portugal and DR Congo sit on one point in Group K. DR Congo will next face Colombia on 23 June in Guadalajara, while Portugal will meet Uzbekistan at the same time in Houston. The Leopards’ historic draw has not only boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stages but has also galvanized fans back home and in the diaspora, who had longed to witness such a moment.
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