As expected, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez named Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup on Wednesday for the national team's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Houston Stadium.

With the decision, CR7 joins the exclusive group of players to have appeared in six FIFA World Cups, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who reached the milestone a day earlier in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City, where he scored a hat trick.

CR7 AND HIS LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE WORLD CUP

For 24 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the defining stars of the FIFA World Cup, though the trophy has remained just out of reach. His closest attempt came in his debut tournament at Germany 2006, where Portugal reached the semifinals and finished in fourth place.

In Brazil 2014, Portugal failed to advance beyond the group stage, while in South Africa 2010 and Russia 2018 they were eliminated in the Round of 16. In Qatar 2022, they made it to the quarterfinals before bowing out.

At 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo is now the oldest player ever to start a World Cup match, surpassing Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson, who started against Croatia at Qatar 2022 at 39 years and 292 days.

If he scores, he will become the only player in history to net in six different World Cups. The Portuguese captain currently has eight World Cup goals: one in each of his first three tournaments, four in Russia 2018, and another in Qatar 2022. Will he add to his legacy in North America?

THE LINEUP

Alongside The Commander is veteran playmaker Bernardo Silva, who was confirmed just minutes earlier as Real Madrid’s newest signing.

The biggest surprise in the lineup is center back Tomas Araujo, who replaces Manchester City defender Ruben Dias after the latter was ruled out with a physical issue. Araújo will partner Renato Veiga in central defense, with Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes occupying the fullback positions. Between the posts, Diogo Costa gets the nod.

Portugal’s midfield will feature a wealth of elite talent, including PSG’s UEFA Champions League-winning midfielders Joao Neves and Vitinha, and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

Leading the attack are the experienced Silva and Ronaldo, supported by Pedro Neto, who earned the starting role ahead of Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos and Francisco Conceicao.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will line up with Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi and Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Mukau and Kayembe; Bakambu and Wissa.

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