World Cup 2026: Dias backs Ronaldo to handle flak; Kane’s Wonderwall moment; Pochettino on spies
Ruben Dias has pushed back against critics of Cristiano Ronaldo after a quiet performance in a World Cup draw against DR Congo. The Portuguese defender labeled the backlash as noise. Portugal is now preparing for a match against Uzbekistan.
What changed
New reports confirm the match against DR Congo was a World Cup fixture.
Live updates
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Ruben Dias Defends Ronaldo Following Portugal Draw
confidence 90%Ruben Dias has pushed back against critics of Cristiano Ronaldo after a quiet performance in a World Cup draw against DR Congo. The Portuguese defender labeled the backlash as noise. Portugal is now preparing for a match against Uzbekistan.
What's confirmed:
- Ruben Dias defended Cristiano Ronaldo after a draw against DR Congo.
- The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup features 104 games across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Still unconfirmed:
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are entering their sixth World Cup.
- Tim Ream compared the five-week tournament to a daily Super Bowl.
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Ruben Dias dismisses Ronaldo criticism as noise
confidence 90%Portugal defender Ruben Dias defended Cristiano Ronaldo following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Dias described the backlash as noise and stated that the criticism is collective. Portugal now focuses on their next match against Uzbekistan.
What's confirmed:
- Ruben Dias backed Cristiano Ronaldo amid criticism following a draw with DR Congo.
- Portugal is scheduled to play Uzbekistan.
Still unconfirmed:
- Cristiano Ronaldo touched the ball 25 times and had no shots in the match against DR Congo.
- The USA and Australia play in Seattle at 8pm BST.
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Ruben Dias Defends Ronaldo as England's Kane Hits Goal Milestone
confidence 90%Portugal defender Ruben Dias stated the squad is ignoring criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo following a draw with DR Congo. Harry Kane scored two goals against Croatia to match Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals. Portugal is now focusing on their match against Uzbekistan.
What's confirmed:
- Ruben Dias said the Portugal squad is ignoring outside noise and criticism following a draw against Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Harry Kane scored twice in England's victory over Croatia.
- Cristiano Ronaldo failed to make a significant impact in Portugal's draw with DR Congo.
Still unconfirmed:
- Fans expressed outrage over a World Cup incident that allegedly benefited England.
- There are calls for a ban related to a controversial England move.
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World Cup 2026: Ronaldo Under Fire as Harry Kane Ties English Record
confidence 90%Portugal faces scrutiny after a draw against Congo DR, with Cristiano Ronaldo struggling in his first match. Meanwhile, Harry Kane scored a brace to equal Gary Lineker's English record of 10 World Cup goals. Canada's Ismael Koné suffered a serious injury during a match against Qatar.
What's confirmed:
- Harry Kane scored a brace to reach 10 World Cup goals, leveling the record set by Gary Lineker.
- Portugal played to a draw against Congo DR.
- Ismael Koné suffered a serious injury during Canada's match against Qatar.
Still unconfirmed:
- Ruben Dias has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to handle criticism.
- A sports bettor won $1 million betting against Portugal.