Martinez confirms Ronaldo will start for Portugal against DR Congo

Roberto Martinez confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will start Wednesday evening when Portugal plays its first match of the 2026 World Cup against the Democratic Republic of Congo (7 p.m.).

Speaking to the press, the Portuguese manager emphasized the mindset of his star, who at 39 is playing his sixth and final World Cup. “For us, it’s his sixth World Cup, but internally, we have the feeling it’s his first. In terms of intensity, emotional strength and the way he is ready to be part of the group,” Martinez said.

Despite Ronaldo’s lack of goals for his country since last October, the Spanish coach does not question the central role of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in his setup. “For the national team, he is a vital player because he is the finisher, the one who finds himself in the box, who has movements that create space for his attacking teammates. His statistics reflect the importance he has.”

For Portugal, this World Cup represents a historic opportunity to win a first world title. The Seleção’s best result in the competition remains a third-place finish in 1966. European champion in 2016 as captain, Ronaldo hopes to complete the circle ten years later with the supreme trophy. The match against DR Congo will be a first concrete test to measure whether the team can nurture such ambitions.