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DR Congo Earn Historic World Cup Draw Against Portugal
DR Congo earned their first World Cup point and goal after a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston, watched by Tshisekedi.
June 17, 2026 at 9:00:48 PM
June 17, 2026 at 9:16:14 PM
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Historic moment for the Leopards. 🇨🇩 DR Congo held Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston, earning the nation's first-ever World Cup goal and point as Yoane Wissa's equalizer stunned one of the tournament favorites
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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