Portugal's opening match at the 2026 World Cup ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, triggering a wave of criticism directed at captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward, playing in what is likely his sixth and final World Cup, was singled out by pundits across Europe for a performance that fell well short of expectations.
British newspaper The Independent described Ronaldo as “a statue,” accusing Portugal of sacrificing “yet another World Cup to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego.” The Telegraph drew an unflattering comparison with Lionel Messi, noting that “the day after Lionel Messi showed why he remains in the Argentina squad, Portugal were perhaps given a reminder of why Cristiano Ronaldo should not be in theirs.”
French sports daily L'Équipe wrote that “in the opening game of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, Portugal chose to offer the world a caricature of themselves.” Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport echoed the sentiment, stating that “the pattern of the game was clear and predictable. In Martínez’s Portugal, in Houston, there was one obvious problem: Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Spanish outlet AS lamented that “on his sixth World Cup appearance, the outcome for the Madeira legend was as discouraging as the previous ones. Good players, good intentions, a great reputation... and very little to show for it. The draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo plunges both Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team into the deepest depression.”
Manager Roberto Martínez Also Under Scrutiny
The Guardian argued that Portugal needs to improve “a lot,” criticising both Ronaldo and head coach Roberto Martínez. “If they decide to keep Ronaldo on the pitch – and nothing I’ve seen from Martínez suggests he has the will or courage to leave him out – I’d move Bernardo into the middle, push the full-backs on and try to inject some tempo into the passing,” the British outlet recommended. One fan told The Guardian: “The question of what [Cristiano Ronaldo] still has to offer is another matter... the difficulties he has moving leave me feeling something between a pang of sadness and a sense of my own mortality. I’d love to see him used as a super-sub.”
The Athletic noted that “[Ronaldo] did nothing today which, although not entirely his fault, is not a good omen for the rest of the World Cup.” Sports broadcaster ESPN highlighted that this was the 10th consecutive World Cup match in which Ronaldo has failed to score. The criticism extended beyond the 90 minutes: The Athletic observed that “the Portuguese players gathered in the centre circle to applaud their fans. Well, not all of them. Guess who had already headed for the dressing room.”
The New York Times praised DR Congo, calling the result “fantastic... and fully deserved, given the defensive discipline, organisation, spirit and resilience they showed throughout the game.”
Ronaldo’s second-half performance drew particular ire, with the entire Portugal side criticised for playing at a “slow tempo.” According to El País, the moment that made Portugal “lose the little rhythm they still had” was when Vitinha was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão Also Face Criticism
Ronaldo was not the only Portugal player in the firing line. Marca described Bernardo Silva’s debut as “terrible”: “He only lasted 45 minutes and went off with a yellow card, five lost balls and without creating any danger.” The midfielder became a prime target just hours after being announced as a new Real Madrid signing. AS echoed the criticism, saying Silva looked lost “in a web of Congolese legs.”
Rafael Leão also failed to impress. Marca recalled the days when the Portuguese winger was linked with top Premier League clubs, writing: “Seeing is believing when it comes to what Rafael Leão has turned into. His World Cup has begun almost as insipidly as his last few seasons. He came on to rescue a blocked Portugal side and did not even show the personality to save himself.”
João Neves and Vitinha Earn Praise
In contrast to the criticism of Ronaldo and others, João Neves was widely praised. AS described him as “Portugal’s most unreadable player,” highlighting his ability to appear in finishing areas. Marca hailed the Portuguese midfielder as “a global phenomenon” and praised his partnership with Vitinha, calling them “an almost perfect double act” that orchestrated Portugal’s play.
For more on the broader context of Portugal's World Cup campaign, see Portugal's Best-Ever Squad Gives Ronaldo One Last Shot at World Cup Glory. The draw also comes amid other European news, such as Portugal's call for a pause on EU carbon allowance cuts.
