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FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo joins Messi in an exclusive club despite Portugal setback Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a historic sixth World Cup appearance, joining Lionel Messi in an elite club. However, this milestone was overshadowed by Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The veteran forward had a quiet game, struggling to make an impact and extending his major tournament goal drought to ten matches, raising concerns about his current form.

Ronaldo misses big chances in Portugal’s World Cup warmup win over Nigeria Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 as Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao net, but Cristiano Ronaldo scuffs golden chances.

Watch: Ronaldo wastes easy opportunities in Portugal's final match before WC Portugal head into the FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 warm-up win over Nigeria. Cristiano Ronaldo, set for a record-tying sixth World Cup appearance, missed several chances and failed to score before being substituted. Pedro Neto opened the scoring, Akor Adams equalised for Nigeria, and substitute Francisco Conceição netted the winner. Portugal will face Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

Ronaldo misses big chances in Portugal's World Cup warmup win over ... Portugal is heading to the World Cup on the back of a 2-1 warmup win over Nigeria and some regrets for star striker Cristiano Ronaldo LEIRIA, Portugal --Portugal is heading to theWorld Cupon the back of a 2-1 warmup win over Nigeria and some regrets for star strikerCristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to add to his men's-record international haul of 143 goals despite being presented with clear-cut chances with just the goalkeeper to beat in both halves in Leiria on Wednesday. The five-time world player of the year was substituted off in the 65th minute, having been given longer on the field than every other outfield player to start the match for Portugal. Ronaldo will be making his record-tying sixth appearance at a World Cup. Francisco Conceição, one of the 11 replacements to come on for Portugal, grabbed the 75th-minute winner by cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd. Akor Adams equalized for 14 minutes later for Nigeria, which had failed to qualify for the World Cup. Portugal is in Group K at the World Cup with Cong…

No pressure to pass the ball to Ronaldo in World Cup: Portugal’s Conceicao Ronaldo has faced criticism after his performance in Portugal’s first match of the FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo misses big chances in Portugal's World Cup warmup win over ... Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca) Portugal coach Roberto Martinez hugs Cristiano Ronaldo during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, sits on the becnh after he was substituted during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) Portugal’s Francisco Conceicao celebrates after scoring during an international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Nigeria in Leiria, Portugal, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida) LEIRIA, Portugal (AP) — Portugal is heading to theWorld Cupon the back of a 2-1 warmup win over Nigeria and some regrets for star …

Ronaldo misses big chances in Portugal's World Cup warmup win over ... LEIRIA, Portugal (AP) — Portugal is heading to theWorld Cupon the back of a 2-1 warmup win over Nigeria and some regrets for star strikerCristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old Ronaldo failed to add to his men's-record international haul of 143 goals despite being presented with clear-cut chances with just the goalkeeper to beat in both halves in Leiria on Wednesday. The five-time world player of the year was substituted off in the 65th minute, having been given longer on the field than every other outfield player to start the match for Portugal. Ronaldo will be making his record-tying sixth appearance at a World Cup. Francisco Conceição, one of the 11 replacements to come on for Portugal, grabbed the 75th-minute winner by cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd. Akor Adams equalized for 14 minutes later for Nigeria, which had failed to qualify for the World Cup. Portugal is in Group K at the World Cup with Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. ___ AP World Cup coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup Other items that may interest you

Cristiano Ronaldo humiliated as World Cup rival exposes brutal reality ... DR Congo had no specific game plan to nullifyCristiano Ronaldoduring their 1-1 draw with Portugal, as theManchester Unitedlegend cut a laboured figure throughout theWorld Cupencounter. Congo midfielder Ngal Ayel Mukau revealed that he and his team-mates were well aware that, given the 41-year-old is firmly in the twilight of his career, he would be far from his devastating best. Roberto Martinez's side struggled against the African nation in their opening group fixture. Ronaldo has come under fire for his tepid display, failing to impose himself on the match as he once would have done so effortlessly. He registered a mere 25 touches across the 90 minutes and produced three attempts, all of which were on target. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read ourPrivacy Policy Martinez now faces mounting scrutiny over his use of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, with Portugal looking toothless in attack against a side ranked 46th in …

Portugal great Ronaldo fails to score against Congo at World Cup | AP News Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, reacts after failing to score during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Karen Warren) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts at the the end of the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo runs during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a pretty forgettable performance in the first match of his sixthWorld Cup. AfterLionel Messi,Kylian MbappéandErling Haalandall scored in their opening matches, the 41-year-old Ronaldo coul…

Cristiano Ronaldo sets unwanted World Cup record, becomes player with most... At his last World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines by attempting numerous shots yet shockingly, none translated into goal-scoring opportunities, establishing a record for missed chances. While his playmaking seemed to deteriorate, he still managed to net three goals from seventeen attempts. Ultimately, Portugal's journey ended prematurely with their exit in the Round of 16.

Ronaldo, Portugal held to shocking 1-1 World Cup draw by Congo Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates could only manage a 1-1 draw with Congo on Wednesday in their opening World Cup match . Congo, which was playing at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, became the second African nation to make a strong start in the tournament against European competition following Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain on Monday. Playing in front of a crowd of 68,777 spectators at NRG Stadium, which was mostly filled with Portugal supporters, Congo was making only its second World Cup appearance. The first came in 1974, when the team was known as Zaire. João Neves gave Portugal the lead in the sixth minute. The 5-foot-7 midfielder headed in a cross from Pedro Neto. Yoane Wissa equalized for Congo with a header in stoppage time at the end of the first half off a cross from Arthur Masuaku, delighting the small pockets of blue-clad fans. It was Congo's first World Cup goal in the country's history. Portugal's Joao Neves vies for the ball with Congo's Edo Kayembe, left, during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley…

DRC stun Portugal, hold Ronaldo scoreless in World Cup opener Cristiano Ronaldo's record-setting sixth World Cup began with frustration rather than celebration as Portugal were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by Congo on Wednesday, while t...

FIFA World Cup: Portugal coach defends playing Cristiano Ronaldo for full 90 minutes in draw with DR Congo “It makes no ‌sense to get the best goal scorer in world football out in a game that you need goals,” Martinez said

'Because he wants to score': Henry tears into Ronaldo after Portugal's stumble vs Congo Cristiano Ronaldo faced criticism after Portugal's draw against DR Congo, with Thierry Henry highlighting his movement as detrimental. Henry argued Ronaldo's desire to score obstructed teammates like Bruno Fernandes, hindering team opportunities. Despite a stellar international career, Ronaldo's performance lacked impact, with minimal shots and no chances created in the match.

World Cup roundup: Congo stuns Portugal with draw <p>Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Congo on Wednesday in their opening match at the World Cup.</p>

Harry Kane Shines For England As Ronaldo Misfires The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign with an upbeat win against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel's tactics saw them get ahead and win 4-2 after the two sides were level at halftime. Meanwhile Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the latest upset of a team considered to be among the favourites to win the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't get a shot on target and questions are being raised over how much time he should be given in games.

What went wrong for Cristiano Ronaldo in his first World Cup 2026 match? Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane began the World Cup in style, but what happened to Ronaldo and Portugal?

Why Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup opener wasn't as simple as zero goals Cristiano Ronaldo's blank outing against DR Congo reignited questions over his place in Portugal's World Cup side. But the numbers paint a more complicated picture. While the 41-year-old failed to register a shot on target, FIFA tracking data shows he made 47 off-ball runs and was found only 10 times. His finishing deserves scrutiny, but Portugal's lack of service and creativity may have been just as responsible for a frustrating opening night.

Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point <p>Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group ‘K’ match in Houston on Wednesday.</p> <p>Yoane Wissa’s header cancelled out Joao Neves’s early goal and the African side — appearing in their first World Cup since 1974 when it was known as Zaire — more than held their own.</p> <p>Ronaldo, 41, was largely a peripheral figure throughout the match — failing to make the impact his great rival Lionel Messi had done on Tuesday in scoring a hat-trick against Algeria.</p> <p>The DRC’s achievement was even greater given their preparations had been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak back in their country.</p> <p>Some Portugal players were wearing wrist bands, given to them by their Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, in tribute to late team-mate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash last year.</p> <p>Portugal got off to the perfect start, with Neves powering home a header from Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute.</p> <p>However, despite dominating possession they lac…

10-match goal drought! Ronaldo endures horror show vs Congo with no shots on target Cristiano Ronaldo's influence is under scrutiny following Portugal's 1-1 World Cup draw against DR Congo. The veteran forward registered minimal touches and no shots on target, extending his major tournament goalless streak to ten matches. Despite the frustrating performance, Ronaldo remains optimistic, but the team faces pressure to rebound quickly.