Ronaldo flops as Mbappé, Messi, Haaland steal spotlight in Portugal’s opener
Portugal’s World Cup 2026 opener turned into a masterclass in frustration for Cristiano Ronaldo while Mbappé, Messi, and Haaland lit up the tournament elsewhere.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup 2026 curtain-raiser ended in frustration as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in a match where the 41-year-old superstar failed to make an impact. Portugal took the lead inside six minutes through Joao Neves, but DR Congo equalised before halftime, leaving Ronaldo—starting his fifth World Cup—largely anonymous. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus forward, the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, was repeatedly criticised for selfish decision-making in front of goal and for failing to influence the game.
