Cristiano Ronaldo's place in Portugal's starting lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be under threat after the veteran forward endured a difficult opening match, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 41-year-old made history on June 17 by becoming the first outfield player to start in six different FIFA World Cups. However, the landmark appearance ended in disappointment as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by African debutants DR Congo in their Group K opener.
Ronaldo, who has been outshone by Messi, stayed on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes but failed to score or provide an assist. His performance worsened the growing concerns surrounding his role in Roberto Martinez's team.
Statistics from the match showed Ronaldo managed just two shots, none of them on target, while recording only 25 touches throughout the game. Despite completing 19 of his 20 passes, 17 of those passes went backwards as Portugal struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament matches without scoring for Portugal, stretching back to Euro 2024. His last World Cup goal came during Portugal's group-stage match against Ghana at the 2022 tournament. Ronaldo also failed to score when Portugal faced Nigeria's Super Eagles in a friendly on the eve of the World Cup.
Reports after the match also revealed moments of frustration among Portugal players, with midfielder Bruno Fernandes appearing unhappy with Ronaldo's positioning as the team searched for a winning goal.
Despite increasing calls for the Portuguese captain to be dropped, Martinez has publicly backed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner ahead of Portugal's crucial second Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
Oliseh advises Portugal on Cristiano Ronaldo's best role
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh believes Portugal can still benefit from Ronaldo, but only if the veteran striker is used differently.
Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner said Ronaldo's evolution as a player means he can no longer influence games for a full 90 minutes at the highest level.
“Ronaldo is exceptional, but he's gone from being a great dribbler to being a fox in the box. He's adapted his game to fit his age.
“He's very fit. But at the World Cup, they don't need the fox in the box anymore… This team is very young, and they're creative. For that reason, they need movements in attack.”
Oliseh argued that Portugal's youthful squad requires a more mobile forward line capable of constantly stretching defenders and creating spaces for attacking midfielders.
According to the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Ronaldo's greatest value now lies in shorter appearances where he can deliver maximum intensity rather than conserving energy over an entire match.
“I think it's better he plays 35 minutes where he can give a 100% than try to play through 90 minutes and not be at his best.
“This team is very young, and they're creative. For that reason, they need movements in attack. He's taking a place that's very strategic.
“Strikers don't have to always wait for balls in the modern age. He has scored loads of goals, but there's a reason they say when you get to 32, 34 as a footballer, start writing your retirement letters. You cannot think you are going to play forever. At some point, he has to stop.”
Portugal will seek their first victory of the tournament against Uzbekistan while Martinez must decide whether to continue relying on his iconic captain from the start or adopt the former Super Eagles star's suggestion of using him as a high-impact substitute.
The decision could play a major role in determining how far Portugal progress in the competition. The 2016 European champions have never lifted the World Cup, with their best showing being at the 1966 edition where they finished in third place.
