Ronaldo prepares for sixth World Cup as Portugal faces DR Congo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 1:41 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for his sixth World Cup with Portugal, approaching the tournament with the same intensity as his first, according to coach Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo, who holds the record for 143 international goals, remains a crucial player on a strong Portuguese squad eyeing their first World Cup title. The team will face DR Congo in their opening match. Martinez highlighted the importance of Ronaldo's experience and ability to lead the group, while also acknowledging concerns over his recent performance in major tournaments.
- •Portugal's opening match is against DR Congo.
- •Ronaldo has not scored in his last nine major tournament matches.
- •Bruno Fernandes emphasizes the honor of playing alongside Ronaldo.
- •Martinez's contract will end after the World Cup.
- •Portugal's group includes Uzbekistan and Colombia.
- 1:41 AMYahoo Sports — Ronaldo as excited for sixth World Cup as his first, says Martinez
"Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football.""He is an example and a reference for football.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- Champions League•Jun 17, 2026, 1:55 AMRoberto Martinez, Bruno Fernandes ponder Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup
- MLS•Jun 17, 2026, 1:47 AM📹 Messi levels with CR7 and Rivellino, passes Pelé, makes Copa history
- EPL•Jun 17, 2026, 1:20 AMTuchel insists managing at the World Cup is the pinnacle of his career
- LaLiga•Jun 17, 2026, 1:04 AMWhy Zinedine Zidane’s son is playing for Algeria at the World Cup and not France
- Euros•Jun 17, 2026, 12:50 AMKane tells England 'be free in the mind' for World Cup title bid
- LaLiga•Jun 17, 2026, 12:30 AMMbappe looking to write more history after becoming France’s record goalscorer
