Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing in World Cup 2026? Analysis Claims Legend Is a Burden for Portugal
Ronaldo is set to become the second player after Lionel Messi to reach six World Cup appearances despite questions over his club form.
- On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup opener across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aiming to become the second player after Lionel Messi to appear at six World Cups.
- Ronaldo faces scrutiny following an underwhelming Paris Saint Germain season, where he managed 12 goals across 45 appearances with only 15 starts, raising questions about his current effectiveness.
- Bruno Fernandes, the 31-year-old Premier League Player of the Season, has recorded 21 assists in 35 games, emerging as Portugal's creative force and challenging Ronaldo for set-piece duties.
- Historically, Ronaldo has struggled in tournament knockout stages with no goals and managed only one direct free kick goal at a major tournament since the 2018 World Cup.
- Analysts argue Ronaldo should accept a 30-minute impact role held in reserve for tiring defenses, though critics struggle to identify a striker who has proven superior in his absence.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
Comment: Ronaldo’s goalless display against DR Congo is the latest warning for Roberto Martinez, writes Richard Jolly, though there is little sign that the Portugal manager will take the decision to remove the 41-year-old for the sake of the team
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal start their World Cup on Wednesday 17 June against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the same time, a sports betting site gives the possibility to bet money on...
CR7, 41, who, by participating in his 6th World Cup, wants to become the first to score in six different competitions since Germany in 2006.
For Cristiano Ronaldo, the World Cup begins on Wednesday. The star player takes on Congo with Portugal. Valentijn Driessen, Head of Football at Telesport, discusses Ronaldo's sixth World Cup and his role within the Portuguese squad.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing in World Cup 2026? Analysis Claims Legend Is a Burden for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal out at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Wednesday when they open against DR Congo, with the 41-year-old poised to become only the second player after Lionel Messi to appear at six World Cups. It is a milestone that feels both inevitable and faintly awkward. Ronaldo is a Portugal icon, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most prolific forwards the sport has seen. Yet as h…
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Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
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