Ronaldo struggles as Portugal draw 1-1 with DR Congo at World Cup
7 reported
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to match the performances of fellow superstars Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi in his first match of the 2026 World Cup. Portugal laboured to a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening group match, with Ronaldo failing to make an impact. The 41-year-old forward had the fewest touches of any Portugal outfield player who played the full match, and has now gone 10 consecutive games at major tournaments without scoring. Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, criticized manager Roberto Martinez for leaving Ronaldo on the field for the entire match. Former England captain Wayne Rooney said before the match that Ronaldo would be motivated by the other stars’ performances, but noted after the game that Ronaldo needs chances to score. Former France internationals Gael Clichy and Thierry Henry also offered analysis on Ronaldo’s impact on the team’s play.
What’s reported
Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their opening World Cup group match.
Ronaldo had 25 touches, the fewest of any Portugal outfield player who played the full match.
Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive games at major tournaments without scoring.
Chris Sutton said Martinez was “scared to take him off” and called the decision to leave Ronaldo on “embarrassing.”
Wayne Rooney said before the match that Ronaldo would be “raging” at the other stars’ performances and would want to score two or three goals.
Thierry Henry said Ronaldo’s run blocked a potential pass to Bruno Fernandes, adding “the team needs to score, not you.”
Gael Clichy said Ronaldo’s superstar status might unconsciously affect how team-mates play, noting that Conceicao might have shot himself if it were not Ronaldo.
Key figures
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain and Al-Nassr striker
Roberto Martinez, Portugal manager
Chris Sutton, ex-Premier League striker and BBC commentator
Wayne Rooney, ex-England captain and BBC pundit
Gael Clichy, former France international and BBC pundit
Thierry Henry, former France international and Fox Sports pundit
Francisco Conceicao, Portugal half-time substitute
Bruno Fernandes, Portugal midfielder
Joao Neves, Portugal goalscorer
Pedro Neto, Portugal winger
Yoane Wissa, DR Congo goalscorer
Sources: BBC News
