"The Portugal captain struck in the sixth minute of the Group K encounter, silencing critics who questioned his performance in Portugal's opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo."

Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao insisted on Sunday his team-mates felt no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo following scrutiny of the veteran superstar’s role in their lacklustre World Cup opener. Critics have questioned whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo’s lack of mobility is having a negative effect on Portugal’…

…to really understand. “You need to understand the atmosphere, the ambience.” Unlike at Portugal, where an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo has become a problem for coach Roberto Martinez, the Argentina players have made plain that they will do whatever it takes to help Messi wreak his finest havoc on opposition defences. “He’s…

…Petit, has identified the main difference between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Petit, Argentine players play for Messi, while Portuguese players don’t play for Ronaldo. He also believes that it will be Portugal manager Roberto Martinez’s responsibility to address R…

Former England international, Jay Bothroyd, has insisted that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is never going to be like Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Bothroyd wants Ronaldo to step away from Portugal’s FIFA World Cup starting XI, as he cannot deliver like his eternal rival, Messi. According to him, the 41-year-old…

Each time Portugal is playing, Messi's fans instantly turn into emergency protectors of Portugal, shouting that Ronaldo-the same man who made Portugal what it is today, and without whom Portugal are just an average side-must be dropped. They say that Ronaldo is holding Portugal back and must be benched, but cannot answ…

Former Aston Villa captain, Gabriel Agbonlahor, has urged Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to consider dropping captain Cristiano Ronaldo from his starting XI as they prepare to face Uzbekistan in their next World Cup tie. Agbonlahor insisted that Ronaldo has passed his best, adding that he is not holding the ball up.…

…Colombia - Their victory over Uzbekistan has strengthened their position as favourites. Portugal - Despite Portugal being held by DR Congo, their quality should see them finish in the top two. Group L England - One of the tournament favourites, England's attacking firepower has already been evident. Ghana - The Black S…

Portugal has shortlisted at least three candidates to replace Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup. According to talkSPORT, Martinez is set to step down from the role after the tournament. The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a reunion with captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Portug…

…has earned 91 caps for his country and currently plays club football for Chaves in Portugal's second tier, after a career that has included spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus."I cried because I grew up with my grandparents," said Vozinha following the goalless draw. "Unfortunately, they were not here. They…

By Adegboyega Adeleye Portugal have insisted they are shutting out the growing criticism surrounding the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo after their disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Reuters, defender Ruben Dias said the squad was treating the backlash following their 1-1 draw against Demo…

…- despite being drubbed - Jordan pushed Austria for long periods and DR Congo held Portugal.Asian Football Confederation countries have been particularly impressive, with Australia and South Korea winning, Japan holding the Netherlands and Qatar and Saudi Arabia picking up creditable draws.The caveat here is its very e…

'This could only exist in America': What are foreign football fans finding in the US?19 June 2026Kwasi Gyamfi AsieduWashingtonBBCAyoub Baghdad (left) is following Morocco's team at the World Cup Ayoub Baghdad has only just arrived in the US to follow his home team in the World Cup. But already he's been stunned by one …

…0-4AI's prediction: 0-2GROUP KSutton's pre-tournament picks: Colombia (winners) and Portugal (runners-up). DR Congo to finish third and Uzbekistan fourth.Portugal v UzbekistanHouston / Tuesday, 23 June / 18:00I am at this game for Radio 5 Live too and let's just say I will be keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo. P…

…nine games as he guided them to promotion into Nations League A, where they will face Portugal, Norway and Denmark later this year.But they missed out on World Cup qualification after losing a penalty shootout in the play-offs against Bosnia-Herzegovina and have won just three out of their past 11 games.Bellamy's forme…

Nike v Adidas - the World Cup brand battleImage source, Reuters and Getty ImagesImage caption, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are key parts of the World Cup advertising campaigns for Nike and Adidas respectivelyBySimon CassonBBC Sport senior journalistPublished19 June 2026The World Cup is all about numbers. Which team …

…and its broadcast partners - and the fact that the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Spain and Portugal will be held in climates with very hot summers - it is highly likely that they will remain a long-term feature."The rights for this World Cup, Fox Sports got for only $485m (£367m)," says Dennis Deninger, author of Live Spo…