Portugal wasted no time making a statement in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener. Midfielder João Neves put the ball in the net just six minutes into the match against DR Congo, giving the Portuguese side a 1-0 lead at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The goal came from a Pedro Neto cross, which Neves met with a header. Clinical, efficient, and exactly the kind of start Roberto Martínez’s squad was looking for on June 17.

Ronaldo rewrites the record books, again

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years and 132 days old, became the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup match. This is his sixth World Cup appearance, a feat that ties him with a small club of legends who have managed to stretch their international careers across that many tournaments.

Portugal’s squad around him includes Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes, all of whom featured in a lineup that controlled the tempo after the early breakthrough.

DR Congo’s long-awaited return

This match carried enormous weight for DR Congo. This was their first World Cup appearance since 1974, a gap of 52 years between tournament appearances.

Portugal’s Group K assignment also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Group K dynamics and what comes next

The Neves goal itself tells you something about Portugal’s tactical approach. Pedro Neto delivering the cross suggests width and pace are central to Martínez’s game plan. Neves arriving in the box to meet it with a header shows a midfielder willing to push forward aggressively.

The 2026 World Cup expanded format features 48 teams across the US, Mexico, and Canada, making it the largest World Cup in history by team count.