Ronaldo starts sixth World Cup as Portugal faces DR Congo in Group K opener

Ronaldo's milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal into the 2026 World Cup as a 41-year-old forward playing in his sixth tournament, a feat that underlines his longevity. Coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo's intensity made it feel like his first. "He is essential, he is a striker who can open up spaces for others in the team," Martinez told reporters.

Martinez coy on future

Martinez did not deny reports that this could be his last World Cup with Portugal, calling it "old news" and noting his contract expires after the tournament. He insisted the focus was on winning the competition. Centre-back Ruben Dias will miss the opener after failing to recover from a knock sustained in a friendly against Nigeria.

The most important thing is to focus on winning the World Cup.

Tribute to Diogo Jota

Captain Bruno Fernandes said Portugal would play with former teammate Diogo Jota in their thoughts. The forward was killed in a car accident last year. Fernandes described him as a great teammate, and the squad will wear red and green bracelets provided by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

For us, he is still part of our group.

DR Congo's long wait ends

The Democratic Republic of Congo are playing in their first World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and lost all three games without scoring. Coach Sébastien Desabre said his team would take measured risks and play without fear against a favoured Portuguese side. A disrupted build-up due to an Ebola outbreak back home had limited impact as most players are based in Europe.

There's no fear ahead of those big events.

Desabre noted that fewer travelling fans due to restrictions would provide extra motivation, with 100 million Congolese watching at home. Group K also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Lineups and match details

Portugal line up in a 4-4-2 with Diogo Costa in goal, a back four of João Cancelo, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes, a midfield of João Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, and Cristiano Ronaldo partnered by Pedro Neto up front. For DR Congo, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau starts in goal, with a five-man defence including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba, a midfield three of Mukau, Moutoussamy and Kayembe, and Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa in attack. The referee is Abdulrahman Al Jassim. Kick-off is at 19:00 local time.