Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup, with the veteran forward struggling to make an impact. Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days of age, had two chances in quick succession midway through the second half but was unable to convert either opportunity.
Portugal took the lead in the sixth minute when Paris St-Germain's Joao Neves headed in Pedro Neto's left-wing cross, but DR Congo equalised just before half-time when Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa nodded in a deserved equaliser. For all Portugal's dominance of the ball - they had 75% possession - they managed only seven attempts at goal, with only one on target.
Former France striker Thierry Henry criticised Ronaldo for being selfish, saying that he was more concerned with scoring than with helping his team. Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton also questioned Portugal's decision to leave Ronaldo on the field for the full match, saying that the team's manager, Roberto Martinez, was 'scared to take him off'.
Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive games at major tournaments without scoring, a run that stretches back to the 2022 World Cup. His tally of 25 touches was the fewest of Portugal's outfield players who played the full match.