- Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal in a record-equalling sixth World Cup, matching the record held by Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
- The Group K match against DR Congo has officially got underway.
- Portugal's starting lineup against DR Congo features Ronaldo as captain, supported by players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
- This is only DR Congo’s second World Cup appearance, and first since 1974 when they competed as Zaire.
- Portugal has won only one of their last four opening World Cup matches, beating Ghana 3–2 in 2022.
- Ronaldo aims to make history by scoring in his sixth World Cup as Portugal faces Congo.
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, has made history by starting for Portugal in his sixth World Cup, equaling the record held by Argentina's Lionel Messi. The match against DR Congo is significant as it marks the African nation's second World Cup appearance since 1974, when they were known as Zaire.123
Portugal's recent World Cup history has been mixed, having won only one of their last four opening matches, a narrow victory over Ghana in 2022. Coach Roberto Martinez has fielded a strong lineup, including stars like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, with Ronaldo expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden.
As the match unfolds at Houston Stadium in Texas, Ronaldo aims to score in his final World Cup, adding to his legacy. The Group K clash is crucial for both teams, with Portugal looking to assert dominance early in the tournament.
Only Wales (64 years), Egypt, and Norway (both 56) have had longer gaps than the Leopards’ 52 years between tournaments.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is set to make history by starting in his sixth World Cup, matching Lionel Messi's record. Portugal faces DR Congo in their Group K opener, marking DR Congo's second World Cup appearance since 1974.”
London Evening Standard