Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating start to his record-equalling sixth World Cup campaign as Portugal were held to a 1–1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group K opener.

The 41-year-old forward was largely quiet throughout the match, as DR Congo earned their first-ever World Cup point in a historic result.

The African side, appearing at their first World Cup since 1974 (then as Zaire), responded through a well-taken header by Yoane Wissa after an early opener from Portugal midfielder João Neves.

Ronaldo, who has long shared a global rivalry with Lionel Messi, struggled to influence the game, in contrast to Messi’s hat-trick performance in Argentina’s opening match a day earlier.

The result was further highlighted by the backdrop of disruption in DR Congo’s preparations due to an Ebola outbreak back home.

In another Group match, England began their campaign with a 4–2 win over Croatia in Texas under manager Thomas Tuchel.

Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, including a retaken penalty, before Croatia fought back through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to level the score.

However, Jude Bellingham restored England’s lead early in the second half, while substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory late on.

The match featured early VAR drama when Kane’s penalty was saved by Dominik Livaković, only for it to be retaken and converted after the goalkeeper was ruled to have moved off his line.

Elsewhere in Toronto, Ghana secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner to deny the Central American side a historic first World Cup point.

The result capped an eventful opening round of fixtures across the tournament, with late goals and surprise results shaping early group standings.