Ronaldo’s Starting Role Under Scrutiny at the 2026 World Cup

Portugal opened Group K with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Ronaldo started, took 25 touches, fired three shots (none on target) and supplied 0.46 of the team’s 0.65 xG; only João Neves scored.

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At 41, Ronaldo has played six World Cups, scoring five goals, his last open-play strike in June 2021. After leaving Manchester United he joined Al Nassr, netting 30 in 37 games this season. His starter status resurfaced after being benched in Qatar 2022.

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Portugal completed 783 passes (75 % possession) and created seven shots, only one on target. Ronaldo’s three attempts contributed 0.46 xG of the team’s 0.65 xG. He recorded the fewest touches (25) of any Portugal starter at a World Cup. Club form shows ~0.8 goals per game, yet he is on a ten-match goalless run in majors.

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Martínez said criticism “is part of the game,” stressing focus, unity and Ronaldo remains “the best goal scorer in world football,” “numbers support this iconic player.” Cannavaro warned side to “be careful when we are in box because we cannot leave this kind of player alone.” Dalot said team discussed plan to brace for scrutiny.

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Thierry Henry argued, “The team needs to score, not you,” targeting Ronaldo’s shot selection. Paul Scholes suggested a 41-year-old should only start as a substitute. Chris Sutton accused Martínez of being “scared to take him off.” The Guardian’s editorial team claimed Ronaldo “is not fit to be a starter,” while Congo midfielder Ngalayel Mukau noted he “is not the same as before.”

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The team needs to score, not you need to score,” — Thierry Henry, former France striker

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• “It makes no sense to take out the best goal scorer in world football in a game where you need goals,” — Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach

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• “I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked.” — Francisco Conceição, Juventus winger

Al Jazeera (website)

• “We need to be careful when we are in the box because we cannot leave this kind of player alone,” — Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan coach

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Ronaldo’s club tally (30 goals/37 games) contrasts sharply with his ten-match goalless streak at major tournaments, leaving his current effectiveness uncertain. Opta data shows he contributed 0.46 xG but produced no shots on target, and analysts disagree on whether his presence reduces space for teammates such as Bruno Fernandes or Gonçalo Ramos. No definitive metric yet resolves his net impact.

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Portugal faces Uzbekistan on 23 June at NRG Stadium, Houston. A win is required to stay in contention for group leadership. Martínez has signalled he will keep Ronaldo in the starting eleven, while Cannavaro expects his side to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacks. Dalot noted the squad prepared for criticism ahead of the match.

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