Yoane Wissa header secures historic World Cup point for DR Congo

Yoane Wissa scored the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal on Wednesday, heading in an equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Houston. The 29-year-old forward struck five minutes into the second half from a corner as DR Congo returned to the tournament after 52 years away. The result came in the teams’ Group K opener.

Portugal went ahead in the sixth minute through Joao Neves before Wissa’s goal levelled the match at 1-1. Officials said the equaliser was widely celebrated inside the stadium, which had a strong Portuguese presence, and quickly spread across social media.

The milestone carried added weight given Wissa’s recovery from an acid attack in France in July 2021. He suffered severe chemical burns and required emergency eye surgery after an assailant threw acid in his face at his home, officials said.

Authorities said the attacker was identified days after the incident and later received an 18-year prison sentence in January 2025. The player has spoken publicly about the long-term physical and psychological impact, including ongoing vision care needs and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress.

Wissa continued his professional career while recovering and later joined Brentford, according to officials. He has described becoming more withdrawn and anxious after the attack and said he required months to fully regain his sight.

Portugal tribute before Group K opener

The match also included a tribute by the Portuguese squad to their late teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a vehicle accident last summer. Organisers displayed a tribute on stadium screens with Jota’s parents present, and Portugal players wore wristbands bearing his name, officials said.

What the goal means for DR Congo

For DR Congo, Wissa’s equaliser provided a landmark moment on their return to the World Cup, delivering the country’s first goal at the tournament and a point against one of the pre-tournament favourites. The draw leaves both teams with early momentum still to be tested as Group K continues.

DR Congo’s next group match and Portugal’s schedule will determine how quickly Wednesday’s result translates into qualification pressure in the remaining fixtures.