World Cup 2026: Portugal 1-1 DR Congo - Cristiano Ronaldo struggles as Roberto Martinez's side slump to disappointing draw in opener
Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during his first performance at the 2026 World Cup as a disappointing Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo.
Ronaldo started the game but failed to make the desired impact, missing two big chances as his goalless run in major tournaments was extended to 10 games.
Joao Neves had given Portugal a lead with a smart header inside six minutes but that proved to be their only shot on target for the entire game.
DR Congo remained stubborn and were rewarded with their first World Cup goal courtesy of Newcastle's Yoane Wissa, which proved enough to come away with a remarkable point in their first appearance at the tournament since 1974 as Zaïre.
More to follow...
Portugal 1-0 DR Congo (Neves, 6)
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo (Wissa, 45+5)
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Analysis from Sky Sports' Callum Bishop:
We have seen for now the third tournament running, Portugal's entry be clouded by what role Cristiano Ronaldo would play in their team. The answer in 2026 as the same as it was in 2016. He was the main man.
In the past, that had to be the case because the quality behind him was lacking. Now? He arguably has the best midfield five supporting him and if anything, he appears to be limiting them.
More often than not, Ronaldo appeared to just be taking up space. Of the Portugal starting XI, only Bernardo Silva touched the ball on fewer occasions. He took 26 touches to Ronaldo's 29. He was also substituted at half-time. Ronaldo played the full 90.
Roberto Martinez chose to ignore this. Ronaldo's team-mates persisted at trying to find him at all costs. At times, their unselfishness to feed the No 7 looked costly. They were squandering better chances to give him the service.
Ronaldo would have watched Lionel Messi score a hat-trick. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe both bagged braces. All three of those happened the day before. This was his response. And it was a poor one.
It begs the question. What should his role be? Should he really start when Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday?
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18 of June 2026
