Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign got off to an unexpected start after a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, with much of the post-match discussion centering on Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance rather than the result.
The 41-year-old forward failed to score, extending his World Cup goal drought that dates back to Portugal’s opening match at the 2022 tournament. Following the game, France legend Thierry Henry questioned Ronaldo’s decision-making, suggesting his desire to score prevented teammates from capitalizing on better opportunities.
Why did Thierry Henry criticize Cristiano Ronaldo?
Speaking during Fox Sports’ post-match analysis, Henry said Portugal’s priority should have been scoring as a team rather than creating opportunities specifically for Ronaldo.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker pointed to one attacking sequence in which he believed Ronaldo’s movement disrupted teammate Bruno Fernandes.
“The team needs to score, not you. Because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes,” Henry said.
He explained that if Ronaldo had continued his run toward the six-yard box instead of moving across Fernandes’ path, the defenders would likely have been forced to follow him, creating a simple finish for the midfielder.
Henry added:
“If he goes into that six-yard box, you’ve been in that situation. You would have had to follow him, and then it would have been a tap-in for Bruno Fernandes.”
The comments have sparked debate over Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s attack as the veteran striker continues to chase another World Cup goal.
How did the match unfold?
Portugal made the perfect start when João Neves scored in the sixth minute, giving Roberto MartÃnez’s side an early lead.
However, DR Congo gradually settled into the contest and equalized through Yoane Wissa in first-half stoppage time, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
Neither side managed to find a winner in the second half, resulting in one of the tournament’s first major surprises.
How did DR Congo contain Ronaldo?
Despite Portugal dominating possession, DR Congo’s defense largely kept Ronaldo quiet throughout the match.
Portugal finished with:
- 769 completed passes.
- 93% passing accuracy.
By comparison, DR Congo recorded:
- 222 completed passes.
- 81% passing accuracy.
Although Portugal controlled the ball for long stretches, DR Congo remained compact defensively and limited clear-cut chances.
After the match, DR Congo defender Ngal’ayel Mukau said the team had prepared specifically for Ronaldo.
“We know that Ronaldo isn’t the same as before,” Mukau said. “We know that he runs less and makes fewer efforts. It was up to our defence to stop him, and they did a great job.”
Ronaldo’s World Cup goal drought
Ronaldo’s failure to score means he has now gone multiple FIFA World Cup matches without finding the net.
His most recent World Cup goal remains the penalty he scored against Ghana during Portugal’s opening match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Since then, he has continued to contribute through his experience and leadership but has yet to add another World Cup goal to his record.
The drought has fueled renewed discussion over Portugal’s attacking approach and whether the team should rely more heavily on its younger creative players.
What’s next for Portugal?
Portugal still have two group-stage matches remaining and remain well placed to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Their remaining Group K fixtures are:
- June 22: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (Houston Stadium)
- June 27: Portugal vs. Colombia (Miami Stadium)
Victories in those matches would likely secure Portugal’s place in the Round of 16.
Why does Henry’s criticism matter?
Few players understand elite international football better than Thierry Henry, making his tactical observations particularly noteworthy.
Rather than criticizing Ronaldo’s finishing ability, Henry focused on movement and decision-making, arguing that Portugal’s attacking patterns should prioritize creating the best chance for the team instead of one individual.
As Portugal continues its World Cup campaign, how Roberto MartÃnez balances Ronaldo’s role alongside players such as Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Rafael Leão could become one of the tournament’s key storylines.
The bottom line
Portugal’s opening draw against DR Congo has intensified scrutiny of Cristiano Ronaldo after another scoreless World Cup outing. Thierry Henry believes Ronaldo’s positioning may have cost Portugal a better scoring opportunity, while DR Congo’s defenders said they successfully exploited the veteran striker’s reduced mobility.
With crucial matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia still to come, Portugal will look to respond quickly as they chase a place in the knockout stages.
TL;DR
- Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
- Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score, extending his World Cup goal drought.
- Thierry Henry criticized Ronaldo for interfering with Bruno Fernandes during a promising attacking move.
- DR Congo defender Ngal’ayel Mukau said his team knew Ronaldo was no longer as mobile as in previous years.
- Portugal next face Uzbekistan before concluding the group stage against Colombia.
