Portuguese fans drop Ronaldo from starting XI to face Uzbekistan

Cristiano Ronaldo dropped from the starting XI by supporters of his own national team: that is the message sent by readers of Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola, who have selected their ideal team for Portugal’s second match at the 2026 World Cup, Tuesday in Houston against Uzbekistan (7 p.m.). The 41-year-old forward is not included.

The vote comes the day after a disappointing start for the Seleção, held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo last Wednesday. A collective performance judged poor, in which Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, was particularly singled out. While his fanbase continues to defend him, the debate over his place in the starting XI — already present before the tournament — has taken on new significance following this result.

In the XI endorsed by A Bola readers, it is Gonçalo Ramos who is preferred up front, paired with João Félix. The midfield selected comprises Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Trincão, while the defence would line up João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo and Nuno Mendes in front of Diogo Costa.

It was João Neves who received the most individual votes, a symbolic distinction that takes on particular significance: the Paris midfielder has been the target of a wave of cyberbullying following misinterpreted comments he made about Ronaldo after the draw with DR Congo.

A Bola readers’ XI: Diogo Costa — João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo, Nuno Mendes — Vitinha, João Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Trincão — Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix.