Portugal v DR Congo LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo starts sixth World Cup campaign after Messi shines | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo has waited patiently for his first outing at World Cup 2026 and the sight of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe all shining in their first apperances of the tournament will have fired up the Portugal leader even more.

In his sixth - and presumably final - World Cup, Ronaldo will look to guide a team with huge strength in depth behind him towards the latter stages despite questions over whether he is now more hindrance than help to head coach Roberto Martinez.

They begin their Group K campaign with a moderately tricky assignment against a DR Congo side that took the long route towards qualification but are expected to put up a reasonable fight in a pool also featuring Colombia and debutants Uzbekistan.

Fernandes dreaming of glory

The Manchester United star, in an in-house piece with Fifa, has said the aim is to bring the trophy home to Lisbon.

“The dream is to be world champions. The key is to focus on what we can do to change the fact that Portugal have never won it and become the first side to bring the coveted World Cup back home.”

Asked about the fans - because there is always a question around the supporters in these interviews - he adds: “They have total belief in us. They believe we’ve got the quality to be the best team in the world, reach the World Cup final and be crowned champions. I think we need to take the positives from that and channel it into energy. We have to understand that our people are by our side and genuinely believe in our national team.”

Alan Smith17 June 2026 17:10

DR Congo XI

Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Mukau, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

Alan Smith17 June 2026 16:50

Portugal XI

D Costa; Mendes, Araujo, Veiga, Cancelo; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, B Silva; Ronaldo

Alan Smith17 June 2026 16:46

'The striker, the killer'

If anyone was in doubt over Martinez’s pre-tournament stance towards Ronaldo, just have a read of his pre-match comments below. The question, however, is if the main man struggles in this one, how willing will the head coach be to make a change?

“It’s his sixth World but I can tell you that, internally, it feels like his first when it comes to intensity, emotions and how important it is to be ready,” said Martinez on Tuesday. “He’s essential to the team - he’s the striker, the killer, he can open up space for other players and he’s got excellent numbers.”

Martinez during his pre-match press conference (Reuters)

Alan Smith17 June 2026 16:32

DR Congo's star man - and a bit of Mukau magic

Star player – Yoane Wissa, Newcastle United: The forward arrives in the US following a campaign of frustration at St James’ Park, where the 29-year-old failed to kick on following a big money move because of a nagging knee injury. Fit now, if he can shine like he did during a final campaign at Brentford their chances of making it out of the group grow immeasurably.

Breakout talent – Ngal'ayel Mukau, Lille: One of several players born in Belgium who instead chose to represent the nation of their elders, the tidy midfielder stood out for Lille this season by delivering a series of all-action box-to-box performances. At 21 he appears a player capable of doing everything well, if not yet dazzling in one specific area.

Alan Smith17 June 2026 16:24