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Rabat – Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has defended his decision to keep Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch throughout his team’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal took the lead after six minutes through João Neves but struggled to build on their early advantage.
Yoane Wissa equalized for DR Congo shortly before halftime, and the European side failed to find a winning goal despite controlling most of the possession.
Ronaldo had a quiet game and missed two second-half opportunities, leading some supporters and analysts to question why Martinez did not replace him.
The Portuguese coach said Ronaldo’s experience and movement inside the penalty area remained important in a match where his team needed another goal.
“In a game like this, where it was difficult to enter the penalty area, it was important to use Cristiano’s qualities,” Martinez said.
‘It made no sense to replace him’
Martinez argued that removing the leading goalscorer in men’s international football would not have helped Portugal while they were chasing a winner.
“It makes no sense to take off the best goalscorer in world football in a match where we need to score,” he said.
Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 229 international appearances for Portugal, placing him well ahead of every other player in the history of men’s international football.
Martinez added that the 41-year-old’s influence goes beyond his own chances to score.
“His experience inside the penalty area is very important, and his ability to attract defenders creates spaces and opportunities for his teammates,” he explained.
“When we are thinking about scoring goals, Cristiano needs to be on the pitch.”
Ronaldo struggles in World Cup opener
Ronaldo was closely marked by DR Congo’s defenders and finished the match without a shot on target.
He recorded only 25 touches, the fewest among Portugal’s players who spent more than 45 minutes on the field.
Portugal also managed just one shot on target as a team, which came from Neves’ early goal.
Martinez admitted that his side lacked urgency after taking the lead and allowed DR Congo to recover their defensive shape.
“We did not create enough chances, and we probably lost the intention of scoring the second goal,” the coach said.
Portugal turn attention to Uzbekistan
The draw placed early pressure on a Portugal side that entered the tournament among the leading contenders.
DR Congo, meanwhile, secured their first World Cup point after returning to the competition for the first time since 1974.
Portugal will next face Uzbekistan on June 23 before completing the Group K stage against Colombia on June 27.
Martinez will now have to decide whether Ronaldo remains in the starting lineup as Portugal look for their first victory of the tournament
