DR Congo holds Portugal to 1-1 draw in World Cup opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 5:17 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
DR Congo and Portugal played to a 1-1 draw in their FIFA World Cup opener on June 18, 2026. DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau stated that there was no special plan to contain Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the player's legendary status while noting he is not the same force he once was. The result marked a strong start for DR Congo, who frustrated Portugal and left the match with a valuable point. The draw amplified scrutiny on Ronaldo as he continues to face challenges in the tournament at 41 years old.
- •Match held on June 18, 2026, in the FIFA World Cup.
- •Portugal and DR Congo finished the match tied at 1-1.
- •Mukau emphasized respect for Ronaldo but noted his reduced impact.
- •DR Congo secured a valuable point from the match.
- 5:17 AMYahoo Sports — DR Congo star says no ‘special plan’ needed to stop Cristiano Ronaldo
"DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau has admitted there was no special plan to stop Cristiano Ronaldo before Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. Portugal entered the match with Ronaldo once again attracting much of the attention, but DR Congo left with a point after frustrating one of the tournament’s biggest names.
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