Congo DR defeated Mali 1-0 in Friendlies. The fixture is part of the Friendlies 3 stage in the 2025 season. The match was played at Stade de la Source in Orléans. The full-time result capped a Congo DR vs Mali meeting in Friendlies with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Congo DR and Mali. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
FriendliesRecorded meetings: 2 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
The Three Lions must conquer a fearless opponent ready to fight for their nation's ultimate glory, with the victor poised to permanently alter the landscape of the 2026 World Cup bracket. There is no room for a slip-up; survival is the only option. As England and DR Congo step into the unforgiving crucible of the Round of 32, the weight of history hangs heavily over the pitch. The Three Lions must conquer a fearless opponent ready to fight for their nation’s ultimate glory, with the victor poised to permanently alter the landscape of the 2026 World Cup bracket. The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta brings together two teams arriving from very different paths. England finished top of Group L with seven points, while DR Congo reached the knockout stage as the highest-ranked third-place team, making this one of the most intriguing elimination matches of the tournament. England progressed from the group stage without producing completely dominant performances, but Thomas Tuchel’s side still found the results needed to finish first. The Three Lions defeated Croatia and Panama before securing a draw against Ghana, with their final group match seeing Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham step up to seal a 2-0 victory. The biggest positive has been the ability of its elite players to decide important moments. HarryKane became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer, while Jude Bellingham continues to be one of the team’s most influential players in midfield. PosTeamPlayedW-D-LGDPtsStatus1.England32-1-0+47Advanced2.Croatia32-0-106Advanced3.Ghana31-1-104Advanced (Best 3rd)4.Panama30-0-3-40Eliminated Tuchel has also built an impressive competitive record since taking charge. The country has avoided defeat in Tuchel’s competitive matches, showing consistency even when the performances have not always convinced supporters. DR Congo arrives with historic momentum DR Congo enters the match carrying the confidence of a nation experiencing a special moment. The Leopards are competing in their first World Cup knockout stage after previously appearing at the tournament as Zaire in 1974 and exiting in the group phase. Their journey has been built on resilience. After holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw and suffering a narrow defeat against Colombia, DR Congo produced a memorable comeback victory against Uzbekistan, winning 3-1 to secure qualification. PosTeamPlayedW-D-LGDPtsStatus1.Colombia32-1-0+37Advanced2.Portugal31-2-0+55Advanced3.DR Congo31-1-1+14Advanced (Best 3rd)4.Uzbekistan30-0-3-90Eliminated Coach Sebastien Desabre has transformed the team into a disciplined and difficult opponent. The Leopards often rely on a defensive structure with five defenders and look to attack quickly through their talented forwards. What happens if England wins and DR Congo loses? An England victory would send the Three Lions into the Round of 16 to face Mexico. The result would keep Tuchel’s team alive in a difficult section of the tournament, where potential future opponents include some of the biggest names. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates scoring a brace vs Croatia. England would remain on course for a possible deep run, but the path would become extremely demanding. A quarter-final meeting with Brazil and a potential semi-final clash against another elite contender could await if England continues progressing. The main challenge would be maintaining consistency. England has the individual quality to defeat any opponent, but the knockout stage punishes small mistakes. What happens if DR Congo wins and England loses? A DR Congo victory would become one of the greatest results in the nation’s soccer history. The Leopards would replace England in the Round of 16 and continue their remarkable first-ever knockout campaign. Cedric Bakambu #17 and Gedeon Kalulu #24 of Congo DR. The upset would completely change the tournament landscape. England’s elimination would remove one of the favourites from the bracket and open opportunities for other teams hoping to re
With their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread, a single performance will dictate the final standings, offering both nations one last, desperate chance to grasp a historic triumph before the final whistle. It all comes down to this. As DR Congo and Uzbekistan face off in their Group K finale, both teams know their 2026 World Cup survival hinges on 90 crucial minutes. With their World Cup dreams hanging by a thread, a single performance will dictate the final standings, offering both nations one last, desperate chance to grasp a historic triumph before the final whistle. The Congolese earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Portugal in its opening match before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Colombia, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia and then suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Portugal. It enters the final matchday with one point and everything to play for. Sebastien Desabre’s side showed impressive resilience against two of the strongest teams in Group K, especially in the opening match when it held Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a draw. Yoane Wissa became the national team’s hero in that match after scoring the equalizer, giving DR Congo its first-ever World Cup point. The forward remained the biggest attacking threat for the Leopards, alongside experienced striker Cedric Bakambu. PositionTeamW-D-LGDPTS1.Colombia2-0-0+362.Portugal1-1-0+543.DR Congo0-1-1-114.Uzbekistan0-0-2-70 On the other hand, Uzbekistan arrives at the match already facing elimination pressure after two difficult losses. The national team showed promise in its World Cup debut against Colombia, but could not maintain that level before Portugal exposed its defensive weaknesses in a 5-0 defeat. Fabio Cannavaro’s side had already made history by reaching its first-ever World Cup, but the final group match represented a chance to leave a positive impression. What happens if DR Congo wins and Uzbekistan loses? A DR Congo victory would completely change the Group K picture. The Leopards would move to four points and secure third place in the group, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage. The result would eliminate Uzbekistan from the tournament and leave DR Congo waiting for confirmation from the other groups. Under the expanded 2026 World Cup format, the eight best third-placed teams advance, meaning four points would give DR Congo a realistic chance of progressing. Yoane Wissa #20 of Congo DR celebrates scoring There would even be a little possibility of DR Congo finishing second if Portugal suffered a heavy defeat against Colombia and the goal difference swung dramatically. However, the most realistic outcome would be third place and a potential knockout qualification. For Portugal, a DR Congo win would create extra pressure. If Portugal lost to Colombia, both teams would finish on four points, although Portugal’s much stronger goal difference would likely protect Roberto Martínez’s side. What happens if DR Congo draws vs Uzbekistan? A draw would leave DR Congo on two points and Uzbekistan on one point. The Leopards would finish above Uzbekistan but would almost certainly miss out on qualification because two points are unlikely to be enough among the best third-place teams. For Uzbekistan, the result would confirm elimination at the bottom of Group K. The national team would finish its first World Cup appearance without a victory but with valuable experience gained against elite opponents. Chancel Mbemba of DR Congo. The draw would also help Portugal. A point shared between DR Congo and Uzbekistan would guarantee that Portugal advances to the knockout stage regardless of its own result against Colombia. For DR Congo, however, it would feel like a missed opportunity after competing so well against stronger opponents. The national team’s defensive discipline earned praise, but it needed a victory to turn strong performances into history. What happens if Uzbekistan wins and DR Congo loses? An Uzbekistan victory would create one
While Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in front of goal, DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau’s post-match remarks added a sharper talking point to an already tense opener for the national team. Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of attention after Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening 2026 World Cup match, a result that raised questions about the European side’s attacking edge. While Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in front of goal, DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau’s post-match remarks added a sharper talking point to an already tense opener for the national team. The result left Portugal under early pressure in Group K, while DR Congo celebrated a historic point on the world stage. But it was Mukau’s candid assessment of Ronaldo that quickly dominated headlines after the final whistle. Portugal entered the match as the favorites, yet it struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese side that refused to be intimidated. Joao Neves gave the European side a sixth-minute lead, but the rhythm quickly faded as the game progressed. DR Congo grew into the match and eventually struck back through Yoane Wissa’s equaliser before halftime, punishing the Selecao das Quinas’ drop in intensity. From that moment, the African side held firm, securing a famous draw and their first-ever point at a World Cup. Ronaldo, meanwhile, found himself isolated for long periods and failed to register a shot on target despite playing the full match, a rare statistical low for a player of his stature. Mukau delivers blunt verdict on Ronaldo’s current level After the match, attention shifted to DR Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, who was asked whether his team had prepared a specific plan to deal with Ronaldo. His response was direct, but carefully balanced between honesty and respect: “A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really.” He also suggested that age has naturally changed Ronaldo’s physical impact at 41 years old: “We know he is not the same player he was a few years ago. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.” 🚨🇨🇩 DR Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau: “A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really. We know that he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.” (@TNTSportsBR) pic.twitter.com/QicO3CiqiF— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 17, 2026 While he still acknowledged the Portuguese forward’s legendary status, his words hinted that opponents no longer fear him in the same way they once did. That perception, whether intentional or not, has become one of the defining narratives of Portugal’s opening match. Stat sheet paints bleak picture for Ronaldo Ronaldo’s performance statistics underlined Mukau’s assessment. The Portugal captain finished with just 25 touches, one of the lowest totals of his World Cup career, and failed to test the goalkeeper throughout the match. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal controls the ball under pressure from Ngalayel Mukau #6 of Congo DR He also extended an unwanted record, now going 10 consecutive major tournament matches without scoring across the World Cup and European Championships. For a player who built his legacy on decisive moments, the drought has become a growing talking point. Even so, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended his captain, insisting that Ronaldo’s presence remains valuable for structure and experience inside the box.
Stay with us throughout the evening as we bring you live updates, key moments, goals, and reaction from Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2026 World Cup campaign began with disappointment as the Democratic Republic of Congo battled to a deserved 1-1 draw, claiming its first World Cup point in 52 years after a determined display. While Portugal arrived as the clear favorite, the African nation refused to be intimidated and produced one of the opening round’s biggest surprises. The match could hardly have started better for Portugal. Joao Neves opened the scoring inside the opening six minutes, meeting a perfectly delivered cross from Pedro Neto with a precise header that left goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with little chance. The early breakthrough appeared to settle Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and the rest of the attacking unit looking ready to take control. Instead of collapsing after conceding, DR Congo responded with remarkable confidence. Yoane Wissa narrowly missed with an early effort before Cedric Bakambu also threatened as the Leopards gradually found belief against one of Europe’s strongest sides. Portugal still created opportunities through the creativity of Bruno Fernandes, whose excellent pass released Nuno Mendes, only for Mpasi to make an impressive save. Despite dominating possession, Portugal struggled to produce the cutting edge expected from a squad packed with attacking talent. Joao Neves #15 of Portugal celebrates after scoring Yoane Wissa makes history with Cristiano Ronaldo unable to leave own mark The reward for DR Congo‘s persistence arrived just before halftime. From a corner kick, Yoane Wissa escaped his marker and powered a header beyond Diogo Costa, scoring DR Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and leveling the contest at 1-1. The equalizer represented far more than a goal. It was a historic moment for a nation making its first World Cup appearance since 1974, proving that disciplined defending and clinical finishing could trouble one of the tournament’s favorites despite enjoying only a small share of possession. A moment 52 years in the making 🙌Congo DR are back at the @FIFAWorldCup 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/SrPO9IAAUa— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 17, 2026 Portugal attempted to increase the tempo after the break, introducing Francisco Conceiçao to provide fresh attacking energy. The substitute immediately became involved, while Joao Cancelo briefly believed he had restored Portugal’s lead before his effort was ruled out for offside. As the second half developed, Cristiano Ronaldo searched tirelessly for the decisive moment. The veteran forward finally received a dangerous pass inside the area but could not adjust his body quickly enough to steer the ball into the corner, leaving him still waiting for his first goal of a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance. Yoane Wissa #20 of Congo DR celebrates scoring Valuable point for both teams to build upon When the referee brought the match to an end, DR Congo celebrated a memorable 1-1 draw that felt like a victory, while Portugal was left reflecting on an opportunity missed. The result immediately improves on DR Congo’s difficult World Cup campaign more than five decades ago, when it lost all three matches without scoring. Portugal will expect to improve in its remaining Group K fixtures, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the attack alongside an immensely talented squad. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa’s historic equalizer will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the opening round, giving DR Congo genuine belief that qualification for the knockout stage is within reach.
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