The Portuguese national team has officially debuted in the 2026 World Cup, facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston. High-ranking Portuguese officials, including Assembly of the Republic President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, attended the match as the team begins its Group K campaign.
Update: Portugal draws 1-1 against DR Congo in World Cup opener
Portugal failed to secure a win in their opening match, drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Coach Roberto Martínez acknowledged the team lost intensity after taking the lead, while player João Cancelo admitted the result felt like a defeat.
