Ronaldo defends Portugal after 1-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 draw with Congo
Synopsis
Ronaldo played a full 90 minutes, broke a World Cup appearance record, and still couldn't hit the target — all three efforts went wide. Portugal's 75%-possession dominance against Congo produced just one goal and a frustrating stalemate, extending Ronaldo's major-tournament scoring drought to 10 consecutive games. Martinez insists benching him makes no sense. The next two fixtures will decide whether this was a blip or a warning sign.
Key Takeaways
Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo at Houston Stadium on 18 June in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match, playing the full 90 minutes .
Ronaldo registered zero shots on target — his sixth such World Cup game — and has gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring for Portugal.
Joao Neves headed Portugal ahead early; Yoane Wissa equalised with a header for Congo.
Portugal controlled over 75% of possession but were unable to convert dominance into victory.
Portugal face Uzbekistan next on Tuesday, then Colombia on 28 June in Miami.
Cristiano Ronaldo defended Portugal's opening performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the European side were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo at Houston Stadium on 18 June, insisting the team left nothing on the pitch despite a result that will frustrate their supporters. The stalemate leaves Portugal with just one point from their opening Group Stage fixture.
Ronaldo's Record Night — and His Defence
Ronaldo made history on the night, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. He played the full 90 minutes, but all three of his attempts sailed wide, leaving him with zero shots on target — the sixth time he has finished a World Cup game without a single shot on target.
'Nothing was missing, football is like this. Portugal could have won, but they could also have lost,' Ronaldo told Sport TV Portugal in a brief exchange after the final whistle.
The statistics paint a sobering picture. This was his 23rd career World Cup game, tying him for fourth most in competition history. He has now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games — across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euros — without scoring for Portugal, having taken 33 shots in that stretch with just 11 on target.
How the Match Unfolded
Portugal dominated possession, controlling more than 75 per cent of the ball, and took an early lead through a header by Joao Neves. However, Congo refused to be passive. Despite spending the majority of the game without the ball, they created the clearer threats on the counter, and Yoane Wissa's header earned them a fully deserved equaliser.
Notably, the pattern — Portugal hoarding possession while a lower-ranked opponent absorbs pressure and strikes on the break — has become a recurring frustration in their recent tournament football.
Martinez Stands Firm on Ronaldo
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez was unequivocal in his backing of the skipper, dismissing suggestions that Ronaldo should have been withdrawn when Portugal were chasing a winner.
'It makes no sense to bench a player like Ronaldo when you need goals,' Martinez said, arguing that the Al-Nassr forward's movement draws defenders and opens spaces for teammates even when his personal shot count is low.
What's Next for Portugal
Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday at the same Houston Stadium venue before closing out their group campaign against Colombia on 28 June in Miami. With qualification for the knockout rounds still firmly within reach, the draw is a setback rather than a crisis — but the questions around Ronaldo's effectiveness in front of goal will not go away quietly.
Point of View
Six World Cup appearances without a shot on target — and yet Martinez's loyalty to Ronaldo remains absolute. The coach's argument that Ronaldo 'creates space' is tactically valid, but it raises a harder question: at what point does a striker's off-ball value stop compensating for his inability to finish? Congo, ranked far below Portugal, exposed a structural vulnerability that better-organised sides in the knockout rounds will exploit ruthlessly. Portugal have the squad to progress; whether Ronaldo remains the right focal point of their attack is the conversation Martinez is refusing to have.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Portugal vs Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal and Congo drew 1-1 at Houston Stadium on 18 June in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage opener. Joao Neves headed Portugal ahead before Yoane Wissa equalised for Congo.
What record did Cristiano Ronaldo set in the Portugal vs Congo match?
Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. It was also his 23rd career World Cup game, tying him for fourth most in competition history.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored in his last 10 major tournament games?
Ronaldo has gone 10 consecutive major tournament games — across the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euros — without scoring for Portugal, taking 33 shots with just 11 on target in that run.
Why did Roberto Martinez not substitute Ronaldo when Portugal needed a goal?
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez defended the decision, saying 'It makes no sense to bench a player like Ronaldo when you need goals.' He argued that Ronaldo's movement attracts defenders and creates space for teammates.
What are Portugal's next fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday at Houston Stadium before their final Group Stage game against Colombia on 28 June in Miami. They need positive results to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
