Portugal vs Congo DR preview

2026 World Cup, World
Houston Stadium Wed, 17 Jun - 5:00 PM
World Cup
Portugal POR
1 – 1
Congo DR COD
Full Time Wed, 17 Jun 5:00 PM
Round 1 Group Stage
João Neves - 6'
Goal
|
Goal
Yoane Wissa - 45+5'

CONTEXT

Portugal hosted Congo DR in a match that concluded with a 1-1 scoreline after both sides found the net in the opening period to remain level at halftime. Portugal controlled 75 percent of possession throughout yet generated an expected goals total of 1.02 while Congo DR recorded 0.73 despite holding only 25 percent of the ball. The outcome proved consistent with the underlying expected goals figures and produced a draw that reflected the narrow 0.29 differential. No red cards were issued to either side and second half adjustments remained minimal. Congo DR entered as the stronger rated side according to pre match indicators yet the final result aligned with the observed performance metrics rather than those expectations. The significant deviation observed centered on Congo DR and the efficiency measures stayed in line with the established patterns.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Congo DR produced a significant deviation of 82.4 percent from pre match indicators.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency measures remained in line with established patterns for both teams.
  • xG alignment: The 1-1 draw outcome proved consistent with the xG totals of 1.02 and 0.73.
  • Market alignment: The final result showed no alignment with pre match market indicators.
  • xG expectations: Portugal posted 1.02 xG against Congo DR's 0.73 xG in the 1-1 draw.
  • Event impact: No notable events altered the flow beyond the 1-1 halftime scoreline.
  • Red card distortion: Zero red cards were recorded leaving no distortion to the match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
A. Al Jassim
A. Al Jassim
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
T. Al Marri
T. Al Marri
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
S. Ahmed Saoud
S. Ahmed Saoud
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Tom
A. Tom
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Portugal R. Martínez Montoliú
R. Martínez Montoliú
VS
Congo DR S. Desabre
S. Desabre
0
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
0
0 i
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
0 i
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Portugal
73.84%
Draw
17.61%
Away Congo DR
8.56%

Movement

Changes since opening
Portugal
+68.34%
Draw
-74.13%
Congo DR
+5.81%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
48.15
48.89
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Portugal
Congo DR
Power Score
48.15
48.89
League Position
2
1
Global Rank
5
46

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Portugal — Opponent-weighted form score
Congo DR — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Portugal Congo DR

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Portugal

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Congo DR

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Portugal ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Congo DR
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
14.33
37.60
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
37.60
14.33
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Portugal -2.07 Efficiency Index
vs
Congo DR +2.07 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Portugal
Congo DR
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Portugal
vs
Congo DR
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Portugal Congo DR
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
0%
53%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.00 vs -0.39
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Portugal Congo DR
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
53%
0%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.39 vs +0.00
Portugal
Congo DR
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Portugal
vs
Congo DR
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Portugal Congo DR
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Portugal 0.09
Congo DR 0.29
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Portugal Congo DR
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Portugal 0.04
Congo DR 0.01
Portugal
Congo DR
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • POR had peak pressure around 8'.
  • POR started the game with stronger pressure.
POR Pressure COD Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: POR reached the top pressure at 8' (85.27).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Portugal POR Home
0 matches
Congo DR COD Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-06-18T00:00:32+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 5-3-2
Pitch
D. Meireles Costa
Portugal
1 D. Meireles Costa
J. Cavaco Cancelo
Portugal
20 J. Cavaco Cancelo
T. Araújo
Portugal
4 T. Araújo
R. Palma Veiga
Portugal
13 R. Palma Veiga
N. Mendes
Substitution
Portugal
25 N. Mendes
J. Gonçalves Neves
Portugal
15 J. Gonçalves Neves
V. Machado Ferreira
Substitution
Portugal
23 V. Machado Ferreira
B. Silva
Substitution
Portugal
10 B. Silva
B. Fernandes
Portugal
8 B. Fernandes
P. Lomba Neto
Substitution
Portugal
18 P. Lomba Neto
C. Ronaldo
Portugal
7 (C) C. Ronaldo
L. Mpasi-Nzau
DR Congo
1 L. Mpasi-Nzau
A. Masuaku
Substitution
DR Congo
26 A. Masuaku
S. Kapuadi
DR Congo
3 S. Kapuadi
A. Tuanzebe
DR Congo
4 A. Tuanzebe
C. Mbemba Mangulu
DR Congo
22 (C) C. Mbemba Mangulu
A. Wan-Bissaka
Substitution
DR Congo
2 A. Wan-Bissaka
E. Kayembe
Substitution
DR Congo
25 E. Kayembe
S. Moutoussamy
DR Congo
8 S. Moutoussamy
N. Mukau
Substitution
DR Congo
6 N. Mukau
C. Bakambu
Substitution
DR Congo
17 C. Bakambu
Y. Wissa
DR Congo
20 Y. Wissa

General Information

Date & Time
Jun 17, 2026, 05:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round 1 · Group Stage
Stadium
Houston Stadium
Capacity
72220
Attendance
68777
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim
Taleb Salem Al Marri
Saoud Ahmed Saoud
Abongile Tom

Statistics

Possession
POR
69%
COD
31%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 1
1 Big Chances Created 1
6 Shots 6
75 Dangerous attacks 28
75 Possession 25
5 Corners 4
12 Free kicks 12
3 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

74 Ball Safe 62
5 Goal Kicks 8
7 Goal Attempts 5
4 Substitutions 5
16 Throwins 15
8 Successful Headers 8
1 Assists 1
1 Injuries 0
12 Dribble Attempts 15
4 Successful Dribbles 8
33 Successful Dribbles Percentage 53

Attacking

135 Attacks 56

Possession

65 Long Passes 41
783 Passes 251
724 Successful Passes 197
92 Successful Passes Percentage 78
6 Key Passes 7
42 Successful Long Passes 11
65 Successful Long Passes Percentage 27

Defensive

1 Saves 0
11 Tackles 19
2 Interceptions 5
32 Duels Won 44

Build-up

23 Total Crosses 9
6 Accurate Crosses 1

Discipline

3 Offsides 2
9 Fouls 10

Lineup

Referee : Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim

Starting XI ▼

1
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa Goalkeeper
6.81
4
Tomás Araújo
Tomás Araújo Defender
6.93
13
Renato Veiga
Renato Veiga Defender
6.73
20
João Cancelo
João Cancelo Defender
6.75
25
Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes Defender
6.59
2
Nélson Semedo
Nélson Semedo
Defender72'
6.37
8
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes Midfielder
7.33
10
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva Midfielder
6.22
26
Francisco Conceição
Francisco Conceição
Attacker46'
6.76
15
João Neves
João Neves Midfielder
7.89
18
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto Midfielder
6.68
17
Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão
Attacker71'
6.52
23
Vitinha
Vitinha Midfielder
7.31
9
Gonçalo Ramos
Gonçalo Ramos
Attacker83'
6.49
7
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo (C) Attacker
6.54
Referee : Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Jassim

Starting XI ▼

1
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau Goalkeeper
6.25
2
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
6.68
24
Gédéon Kalulu
Gédéon Kalulu
Defender85'
6.55
3
Steve Kapuadi
Steve Kapuadi Defender
6.7
4
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe Defender
6.37
22
Chancel Mbemba
Chancel Mbemba (C) Defender
6.87
26
Arthur Masuaku
Arthur Masuaku Defender
6.91
12
Joris Kayembe
Joris Kayembe
Defender74'
6.95
6
Ngal'ayel Mukau
Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
6.61
14
Noah Sadiki
Noah Sadiki
Midfielder57'
6.81
8
Samuel Moutoussamy
Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
6.44
25
Edo Kayembe
Edo Kayembe Midfielder
7.1
18
Charles Pickel
Charles Pickel
Midfielder74'
6.49
17
Cédric Bakambu
Cédric Bakambu Attacker
6.94
23
Simon Banza
Simon Banza
Attacker85'
6.44
20
Yoane Wissa
Yoane Wissa Attacker
7.23

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Tomás Araújo
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
90+2'
Event
Nélson Semedo
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
88'
85'
Event
Simon Banza → Cédric Bakambu
8th Substitution
85'
Event
Gédéon Kalulu → Aaron Wan-Bissaka
9th Substitution
Event
Gonçalo Ramos → Vitinha
7th Substitution
83'
74'
Event
Joris Kayembe → Arthur Masuaku
5th Substitution
74'
Event
Charles Pickel → Edo Kayembe
6th Substitution
Event
Nélson Semedo → Nuno Mendes 
4th Substitution
72'
Event
Rafael Leão → Pedro Neto 
3rd Substitution
71'
57'
Event
Noah Sadiki → Ngal'ayel Mukau
2nd Substitution
Event
Francisco Conceição → Bernardo Silva
1st Substitution
46'
1ST-HALF
45+5'
Event
Yoane Wissa
Header / 2nd Goal
32'
Event
Chancel Mbemba
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Bernardo Silva
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
13'
Event
João Neves
Header / 1st Goal
6'

Match Commentary

90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Portugal after being conceded by Joris Kayembe.
90
Update Update
Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal misses an attempt from the center of the box, shooting to the left. He was assisted by Bruno Fernandes with a cross.
90
Update Update
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Tomás Araújo of Portugal.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Tomás Araújo of Portugal receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 5 minutes of added time.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) takes a left-footed shot from outside the box that goes close but misses to the right. He was assisted by Tomás Araújo.
88
Update Update
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR wins a free kick in the attacking half.
88
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Nélson Semedo of Portugal receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
88
Update Update
Nélson Semedo commits a foul for Portugal.
85
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Simon Banza comes on for Cédric Bakambu.
85
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Gédéon Kalulu comes on for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
83
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Portugal: Gonçalo Ramos comes on for Vitinha.
83
Update Update
Joris Kayembe from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
83
Update Update
Foul committed by Francisco Conceição of Portugal.
80
Update Update
Offside for Portugal. Francisco Conceição is caught offside.
78
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Francisco Conceição's left-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Rafael Leão provided the assist with a cross.
78
Update Update
Cédric Bakambu from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
78
Update Update
Renato Veiga commits a foul for Portugal.
77
Attempt Attempt
Cédric Bakambu from Congo DR misses an attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box, sending the ball too high. He was assisted by Noah Sadiki after a fast break.
77
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Portugal after being conceded by Samuel Moutoussamy.
75
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Joris Kayembe comes on for Arthur Masuaku.
74
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) had a right-footed shot from the center of the box that was close but went to the right. He was assisted by Francisco Conceição.
74
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Charles Pickel comes on for Edo Kayembe.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Portugal: Rafael Leão comes on for Pedro Neto.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Portugal: Nélson Semedo comes on for Nuno Mendes.
71
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
69
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
68
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) had a right-footed shot from the center of the box that was close but went to the right. He was assisted by Francisco Conceição.
67
Update Update
Edo Kayembe commits a foul for Congo DR.
67
Update Update
Nuno Mendes wins a free kick for Portugal on the left wing.
66
Update Update
Nuno Mendes wins a free kick for Portugal on the left wing.
66
Update Update
Foul committed by Samuel Moutoussamy of Congo DR.
64
Update Update
Edo Kayembe from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
64
Update Update
Bruno Fernandes commits a foul for Portugal.
63
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Steve Kapuadi's header from the center of the box is close but goes to the right. Cédric Bakambu provided the assist with a headed pass.
60
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Portugal after a foul by Steve Kapuadi.
58
Update Update
Foul committed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Congo DR).
58
Update Update
Nuno Mendes wins a free kick for Portugal in the defensive half.
57
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Noah Sadiki comes on for Ngal'ayel Mukau.
57
Update Update
Cédric Bakambu commits a foul for Congo DR.
57
Update Update
Bruno Fernandes wins a free kick for Portugal in the defensive half.
55
Corner Corner
Congo DR wins a corner after Renato Veiga concedes.
55
Update Update
João Cancelo is caught offside for Portugal.
52
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Portugal after a concession by Steve Kapuadi.
50
Update Update
Cédric Bakambu of Congo DR is caught offside.
49
Update Update
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
49
Update Update
Vitinha commits a foul for Portugal.
46
Update Update
Foul committed by Samuel Moutoussamy of Congo DR.
46
Update Update
Bruno Fernandes wins a free kick for Portugal in the attacking half.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the match tied at 1-1 between Portugal and Congo DR.
46
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Portugal: Francisco Conceição comes on for Bernardo Silva.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-1 as Yoane Wissa scores for Congo DR with a header from close range into the top left corner, assisted by Arthur Masuaku's cross after a corner.
45
Corner Corner
Congo DR wins a corner after Bruno Fernandes concedes.
45
Attempt Attempt
Samuel Moutoussamy's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Arthur Masuaku provided the assist.
45
Corner Corner
Congo DR wins a corner after Vitinha concedes.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 4 minutes of added time.
45
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Samuel Moutoussamy's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Chancel Mbemba provided the assist.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Yoane Wissa from Congo DR.
45
Update Update
João Cancelo wins a free kick for Portugal in the defensive half.
43
Update Update
Yoane Wissa of Congo DR commits a handball.
41
Update Update
Arthur Masuaku from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
41
Update Update
Foul committed by João Cancelo of Portugal.
39
Attempt Attempt
Bruno Fernandes' right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. João Neves provided the assist.
37
Update Update
Edo Kayembe commits a foul for Congo DR.
37
Update Update
João Neves wins a free kick for Portugal on the right wing.
33
Corner Corner
Edo Kayembe's left-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner by Diogo Costa. The attempt was assisted by Steve Kapuadi.
32
Update Update
Foul committed by Chancel Mbemba of Congo DR.
32
Update Update
Pedro Neto from Portugal wins a free kick on the left wing.
32
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Chancel Mbemba of Congo DR receives a yellow card for a foul.
31
Update Update
Yoane Wissa commits a foul for Congo DR.
31
Update Update
Renato Veiga wins a free kick for Portugal in the defensive half.
28
Corner Corner
Portugal wins a corner after Chancel Mbemba concedes.
27
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
24
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
15
Update Update
Cédric Bakambu is caught offside for Congo DR.
14
Corner Corner
Congo DR wins a corner after Tomás Araújo concedes.
14
Attempt Attempt
Cédric Bakambu's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Edo Kayembe provided the assist.
13
Update Update
Edo Kayembe from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
13
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Bernardo Silva of Portugal receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
13
Update Update
Bernardo Silva commits a foul for Portugal.
11
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Yoane Wissa (Congo DR) takes a left-footed shot from outside the box that goes close but misses to the left.
10
Update Update
Nuno Mendes of Portugal is caught offside.
6
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Portugal leads 1-0 against Congo DR. João Neves scores with a header from the center of the box into the bottom right corner, assisted by Pedro Neto's cross.
3
Update Update
Samuel Moutoussamy from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3
Update Update
Foul committed by João Cancelo of Portugal.
1
Update Update
First half begins.

CONCLUSION

The 1-1 draw between Portugal and Congo DR reflected the close expected goals balance despite Portugal's heavy possession advantage. Congo DR achieved the result as the lower possession side while maintaining efficiency levels that matched the data patterns. The significant deviation attached to Congo DR highlighted how the outcome diverged from initial indicators yet stayed true to the xG framework. Absence of red cards ensured the match progressed without structural interruptions or forced adjustments. Both teams scored once before the interval and added nothing further which kept the second half stable. The draw therefore represented a factual convergence of performance metrics rather than an outlier event. Overall the numbers supported a balanced conclusion that aligned with observed data throughout the fixture.