Roberto Martinez asks for calm after Portugal’s disappointing draw with Congo.

The 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo came as a cold shower for Portuguese aspirations, which entered the 2026 World Cup with the label of title contenders and left the first game to the sound of boos and the weight of national disappointment. The lackluster start of the Seleção das Quinas, unable to turn their favoritism into clear dominance, reignited doubts about the real capability of Roberto Martínez’s group to finally secure the most desired trophy.

The national team took an early lead with a header from João Neves just six minutes into the match in Houston, but quickly lost control of the game against a confident and intense Congolese side, which equalized and created more goal-scoring opportunities — leaving Portugal with only one shot on target throughout the entire match. After the equalizer, the rhythm of the Portuguese team faltered, revealing the discomfort of a side that appeared trapped, lacking ideas, and overly reliant on individual talent. Since finishing fourth in the 2006 World Cup, Portugal has only won six of its last 17 matches in the premier international tournament, all against theoretically accessible opponents such as North Korea, Ghana (twice), Morocco, Uruguay, and Switzerland. Despite having squads filled with talent and world-class names, the national team has not progressed past the quarter-finals since then, having been eliminated by Morocco in 2022 and suffering a surprising exit in the group stage in Brazil 12 years ago.


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The moment is particularly significant when we look at the historical evolution: before 2002, Portugal had only two appearances in World Cups — the historic campaign of 1966, with Eusébio leading to the bronze medal, and the early exit in 1986. The growth of national football in recent decades has dramatically raised expectations, and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup was seen as the great opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time. However, the performance against Congo raised a red flag about the team’s actual capabilities, increasing pressure on both players and the coach.

Roberto Martínez, in statements following the game in Houston, acknowledged the emotional weight hanging over the group but called for calmness and focus in the analysis. “I think it’s more about the mentality of lifting the weight off the players’ shoulders of wanting to win the World Cup,” the coach explained to reporters. He then urged for serenity: “Now we need to be calm, we need to assess, we need to highlight the good things we did, and we did many good things. We need to improve the bad things, and that’s what happens in a World Cup.” Martínez also recognized the merit of the opponent, admitting: “They (Congo) were intense, confident. They played as if it were a great final in a major tournament, and that demonstrates incredible personality. We knew Congo could do that. It was no surprise.”

Despite the attempt to emphasize positive points, the Spanish coach did not hide his concern about the lack of competitive aggression and fighting spirit within the group, aspects that could be decisive against larger opponents. In light of the offensive ineffectiveness and the inability to control the game after the opening goal, doubts are growing regarding the mentality and tactical preparation of the team, which urgently needs to find answers for what lies ahead.

Portugal’s next challenge is scheduled for Tuesday, the 23rd, again in Houston, against Uzbekistan – a match that has already become absolutely crucial for Portugal’s aspirations in the group and for the team’s morale. Following that, they will face Colombia on June 27, in a schedule where there is no room for slip-ups. Another misstep could seriously jeopardize qualification and increase the chorus of criticism regarding Martínez’s technical leadership and the effectiveness of the implemented playing model. The weight of history and expectations continues to haunt Portugal, which will need to show much more if it wants to finally break the curse and write a new golden chapter in world football.

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