Ronaldo's World Cup crossroads: Portugal's biggest problem or part of the solution?
Cristiano Ronaldo has spent two decades proving doubters wrong. Time after time, critics have declared him finished only to watch him respond with goals, trophies and records. But after Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, questions that have followed Ronaldo for years are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. In this analytical piece, a Qazinform News Agency correspondent examines whether Portugal's greatest star has become the team's biggest dilemma.
The contrast with Lionel Messi could not have been sharper.
While Ronaldo struggled to influence Portugal's opening match, Messi announced himself at the tournament with a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria. At 38, the Argentine still looks capable of deciding games almost single-handedly. More importantly, Argentina still looks like Messi's team.
Portugal, by contrast, increasingly appears to be a team adapting itself to Ronaldo rather than benefiting from him.
Against DR Congo, Ronaldo started as Portugal's central striker. He frequently dropped deep or drifted toward the left flank in search of involvement. The problem was that these movements rarely created danger. Instead, they often left Portugal without a presence inside the penalty area when crosses arrived.
His first shot came only in the 68th minute. Both of his attempts missed the target.
Analysts noted that Portugal's attack often became predictable. “Players looked for Ronaldo in the box even when other options existed. When he dropped deeper, he occupied spaces that might otherwise have been used by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva or João Neves. His greatest contribution was often as a decoy, drawing defenders away to create room for teammates,” analysts noted.
That would be enough if Ronaldo still compensated with elite finishing. Against DR Congo, he did not.
The problem for coach Roberto Martínez is that there is no obvious replacement. Gonçalo Ramos remains heavily reliant on quality passes and crosses into the penalty area. A false-nine system built around Bruno Fernandes or João Félix would increase tactical flexibility but also create new risks.
There is also the psychological factor. Benching one of the greatest footballers in history is easier in theory than in practice.
Yet reality cannot be ignored forever. Ronaldo no longer looks capable of carrying Portugal for 90 minutes against physically demanding opponents. That does not mean he has no value. Quite the opposite.
Perhaps the solution is not removing Ronaldo from the team but redefining his role. A motivated Ronaldo entering during the final 20 or 30 minutes against tired defenders could be devastating. His experience, leadership and finishing ability remain assets. What appears increasingly difficult is building an entire attacking structure around him.
The next match against Uzbekistan may become the defining moment of Portugal's tournament. Uzbekistan showed against Colombia that they are organized, disciplined and capable of competing. Portugal needs a victory. Ronaldo needs a performance.
If he delivers, the debate will quiet down, at least temporarily. If he struggles again, pressure on Martínez will become impossible to ignore.
For the first time in Ronaldo's extraordinary international career, the biggest question is no longer whether Portugal can win with him.
It is whether Portugal can afford not to change around him.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the seventh day of the FIFA World Cup produced goals and drama, with England securing an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 to take control of Group K.