J. Neves put Portugal ahead in the 6th minute, finishing from a P. Neto assist to give the home side an early lead at NRG Stadium. Congo DR, operating in a compact 5-3-2 and holding just 24 percent of the ball, grew into the half and found their reward deep in first-half stoppage time. Y. Wissa converted in the 45+5th minute, assisted by A. Masuaku, to level proceedings before the break. Despite dominating possession at 76 percent, Portugal managed only five shots and one on target across the match, while Congo DR's eight shots and two on target proved enough to secure parity.

The draw leaves both sides with one point from their Group K opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Portugal had the ball for most of the contest but could not find a second goal after the substitution of B. Silva at half-time following his first-half booking. Congo DR's defensive structure held firm through the second half despite Portugal introducing R. Leao, G. Ramos, and F. Conceicao from the bench in search of a winner.