Stats Reject Smash-and-Grab Claim
FT Portugal led possession 75-25, but DR Congo edged shots, shots on target and expected goals.DR Congo Make World Cup Return Count
FT The Leopards did more than take part, earning a valuable point against a tournament favourite.Leopards Make World Cup History
FT DR Congo hold Portugal to a 1-1 draw, earning a landmark point with a fearless performance.Portugal Waste Late Corner
90+4′ Semedo creates one last opening by winning a corner, but Fernandes’ cross is safely gathered by Mpasi.Tomas Araujo Booked Late On
90+2′ Araujo is cautioned after a heavy challenge stops Wissa from carrying DR Congo forward.Five Minutes Added by Officials
90+1′ The referee’s team confirms five added minutes at the end of the match.Fernandes Long Shot Goes Wide
90′ Bruno Fernandes tries to win it from distance, but the ball runs just wide.Semedo Yellow Card for Wissa Foul
89′ Nelson Semedo takes a tactical booking after bringing down Wissa on the break.Mbasi Shows Safe Hands
88′ Lionel Mbasi holds Cancelo’s powerful low cross brilliantly, denying Ronaldo the chance to tap in from close range.DR Congo Complete Their Substitutions
85′ Simon Banza and Gedeon Kalulu come on for the tired Cedric Bakambu and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Vitinha Makes Way for Ramos
84′ Portugal remove Vitinha and send on Goncalo Ramos as they look for a late winner.Portugal Still Searching for Solution
83′ Portugal look sharper in the closing spell, but DR Congo are still refusing to open up.Bakambu Overhits Tired Finish
79′ Cedric Bakambu has a good chance after DR Congo break from a Portugal corner, but he sends his effort too high.Portugal Take Control of the Rhythm
78′ Portugal are beginning to dictate the pace after the hydration break, with DR Congo appearing unsettled.Pickel and Ditu Sent On
76′ DR Congo make late changes, adding Charles Pickel and Joris Ditu as the match remains finely balanced.Ronaldo Comes Alive Late
74′ The 41-year-old has grown into the game, but another chance at the near post goes begging.Portugal Make Two Fresh Changes
72′ Rafael Leao and Nelson Semedo come on as Roberto Martinez changes his wide options.Second Drinks Break Begins
70′ Both teams pause for hydration as the managers look to deliver instructions for the closing stages.Conceicao Creates Ronaldo Chance
69′ Francisco Conceicao reaches the byline and cuts back for Ronaldo, but the forward’s scuffed effort misses the target.Portugal Yet to Add Another Shot on Target
66′ Neves’ opener remains Portugal’s only shot on target, underlining DR Congo’s effective defensive performance.Ronaldo Searching for World Cup Spark
62′ Cristiano Ronaldo has not been anonymous, but he is still waiting for the moment that changes this match.Wan-Bissaka Leaves Mendes in Pain
59′ A challenge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka catches Nuno Mendes on the ankle and leaves him down for a short spell.Sadiki Replaces Mukau for DR Congo
58′ Noah Sadiki is introduced as DR Congo make the first change of the second half.Bakambu Smashes Shot Against Post
57′ Bakambu forces his way into space and hammers a shot that bounces back off the near post.Cancelo Denied After Bicycle Kick Finish
55′ Joao Cancelo shows outstanding technique to score, but Portugal’s equaliser is ruled out for offside.DR Congo Duo Block Portugal Cross
54′ Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe stop Nuno Mendes’ dangerous ball from finding Joao Neves.Mpasi Falls Foul of Five-Second Rule
52′ Lionel Mpasi is punished for delaying the goal-kick, though Portugal waste the corner that follows.Bakambu Effort Ruled Out for Offside
50′ Cedric Bakambu forces Diogo Costa into a save, but the flag confirms the forward had gone too early.Wissa Turns Limited Minutes Into Big Goal
48′ Yoanne Wissa’s World Cup goal already matches his recent Premier League scoring record.Conceicao Sent On for Portugal
46′ Portugal introduce Francisco Conceicao for Bernardo Silva as the second half begins.DR Congo Get Match Moving Again
46′ The Leopards kick off the second period with the score level at 1-1.DR Congo’s xG Shows First-Half Threat
HT Although Portugal controlled possession, DR Congo’s chances were better in quality.Wissa Equalises With Final Touch
45+5′ Yoanne Wissa scores right before the interval to bring DR Congo back level.Leopards Rewarded Before Half-Time
HT DR Congo reach half-time at 1-1 after turning their attacking pressure into an equaliser.Neves Opener Not Enough to Hide Portugal Issues
Joao Neves gave Portugal control on the scoreboard, but DR Congo’s chance creation exposed a flat first-half attacking display.DR Congo Midfield Trio Confirmed
17:10 Ngalayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe start in midfield for DR Congo, behind the attacking pair of Bakambu and Wissa.Martinez Selects Ronaldo for Portugal Opener
17:05 Roberto Martinez has trusted Cristiano Ronaldo from the start as Portugal prepare to launch their World Cup campaign.Welcome to our live build-up and match coverage for Portugal vs DR Congo. Kickoff is set for 20:00, but the story begins before the first whistle with team news, tactical questions, player focus and expectations from both sides.
Portugal will enter the match with attention on how they line up and how quickly they can take control. Their quality in possession may allow them to dictate the tempo, but they will still need accuracy and urgency in attacking areas. Supporters will want to see a performance that combines control with clear scoring threat.
DR Congo will be preparing for a demanding test. They may need to defend for long spells, but their challenge is to remain calm, organized and ready to attack when openings appear. A strong first half could give them confidence and make the match more uncomfortable for Portugal.
This page will begin with buildup updates before kickoff. Once team sheets are confirmed, we will bring you the starting lineups and substitutes. After the match starts, we will move into live coverage with score updates, goals, chances, substitutions, cards and halftime reaction.
Refresh regularly as the page updates through every stage of the evening. If you are joining early, welcome to the buildup. If you are arriving at kickoff, this will become your live match center. If you come after full time, you will find the final score and reaction.
Portugal vs DR Congo offers a mix of quality, physicality and tactical interest. The buildup is underway, and we will stay with the game from the first team news to the final whistle.
