Portugal began their campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a shock. They were restricted to a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were playing their second-ever World Cup, and the first since 1974. Cristiano Ronaldo, who stepped onto the field, was expected to perform and lead the line for the Portuguese. However, he had a very ordinary performance in front of goal, missing some sitters as well. This was on the same day that Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria. Messi’s superb performance came back to haunt Ronaldo.
