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Ronaldo to start at 41: Obraniak backs CR7 before Portugal-DR Congo

On the eve of Portugal's first World Cup 2026 match against DR Congo, former international Ludovic Obraniak defends Cristiano Ronaldo's selection, arguing that CR7 remains Portugal's best striker despite being 41 years old.

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Ronaldo to start at 41: Obraniak backs CR7 before Portugal-DR Congo
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Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start on Wednesday against DR Congo in Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, and for Ludovic Obraniak, this choice is beyond debate: at 41, CR7 fully deserves his place in the Seleção’s starting eleven.

The former Lille midfielder was categorical. For him, the World Cup qualifiers settled the matter: “During the World Cup qualifying period, he still showed he was there. There’s nobody pushing behind him. So really, whether he’s playing well or not, there’s only him. He’s the only solution. Or Gonzalo Ramos, who didn’t have a great season at Paris Saint-Germain either.”

Obraniak also highlighted Ronaldo’s ability to raise his level in decisive moments: “Cristiano Ronaldo often steps up when it matters. In any case, during World Cup qualifying, he was there. There’s no reason things should go badly for him at the start of the group stage.”

Portugal, considered among the favorites for the title, begins its group stage on Wednesday at 7 p.m. After DR Congo, the Seleção will face Uzbekistan on June 23, then Colombia on June 28.

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