Portugal have a Ronaldo problem (again) after draw with Congo DR
Portugal began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and faced significant backlash from fans. The player has since issued a message following the result.
What changed
New reports highlight fan criticism of Ronaldo and rumors of internal team conflict.
Live updates
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Ronaldo faces criticism after Portugal draw with DR Congo
confidence 90%Portugal began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and faced significant backlash from fans. The player has since issued a message following the result.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Cristiano Ronaldo did not score in the opening fixture.
Still unconfirmed:
- A rift exists within the Portugal camp.
- There is pressure on Roberto Martinez to drop Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Critics claim Ronaldo is "not useful" to the team.
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Roberto Martinez defends Ronaldo after Portugal draw with DR Congo
confidence 90%Portugal opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Houston. Joao Neves scored in the sixth minute, but Yoane Wissa equalized for the opponents. Coach Roberto Martinez rejected concerns regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of goals.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener at Houston Stadium.
- Joao Neves scored the opening goal for Portugal in the sixth minute.
- Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes of the match.
- Roberto Martinez rejected suggestions that Ronaldo should be removed from the lineup and defended the team's performance.
Still unconfirmed:
- A former teammate described Ronaldo's role in the Portugal camp as a problem.
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Martinez Backs Ronaldo After Portugal Draw With DR Congo
confidence 95%Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener in Houston. Joao Neves scored first for Portugal before Yoane Wissa equalized. Coach Roberto Martinez rejected suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo should be removed from the lineup.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal and DR Congo drew 1-1 in their 2026 World Cup opening match in Houston.
- Joao Neves scored the opening goal for Portugal.
- Yoane Wissa scored the equalizer for DR Congo.
- Coach Roberto Martinez dismissed concerns about Cristiano Ronaldo's performance.
- Cristiano Ronaldo defended his teammates after the match.
Still unconfirmed:
- Cristiano Ronaldo is under fire from fans for his performance.
- The result is being described as an upset.
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Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo Draw With DR Congo in World Cup Opener
confidence 90%Portugal opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Houston. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled during the match, which included a goal from Yoane Wissa. The result is described as historic for DR Congo.
What's confirmed:
- Portugal and DR Congo played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 opener.
- The match took place in Houston.
- Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated in the opening match.
Still unconfirmed:
- DR Congo star claimed no special plan was needed to stop Ronaldo.