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Portugal, DR Congo Draw 1-1; Ronaldo Ties Messi?8?

6/18/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 on June 17, 2026, giving DR Congo its World Cup point.
Portugal midfielder João Neves scored from a forward Pedro Neto cross; forward Yoane Wissa equalized from a defender Arthur Masuaku cross, giving its World Cup goal.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 years 123 days, became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match and tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi, with six Cups.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, Cameroon’s Roger Milla, aged 42 years and 39 days, became the oldest player to score at a FIFA World Cup, breaking the record he set in 1990. His achievement followed Cameroon’s historic 1990 quarter-final run, the first for an African nation, and sparked a lasting trend of veteran stars influencing tournament strategies. The record stood until Colombia’s Faryd Mondragón surpassed it in 2014.

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Story summary

Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 on June 17, 2026, giving DR Congo its World Cup point.
Portugal midfielder João Neves scored from a forward Pedro Neto cross; forward Yoane Wissa equalized from a defender Arthur Masuaku cross, giving its World Cup goal.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 years 123 days, became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match and tied Argentina forward Lionel Messi, with six Cups.

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