Cristiano Ronaldo set a new World Cup record on June 17. At 41 years and 132 days old, he became the oldest outfield player to start a men’s World Cup match when Portugal faced DR Congo in their group-stage opener.
He broke the previous record held by Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson, who was 39 years and 296 days old when he started against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup.
The appearance also made Ronaldo only the second men’s player to feature in six World Cups, joining Lionel Messi in that exclusive club. Ronaldo’s World Cup journey started back in Germany in 2006 and has continued through South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), Russia (2018), Qatar (2022), and now North America (2026).
But the personal milestone wasn’t enough to get Portugal a win. They settled for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, dropping points in a match they were expected to win.
Portugal had a perfect start when João Neves headed home Pedro Neto’s cross in the sixth minute. But they couldn’t build on that lead. Just before halftime, Yoane Wissa headed in Arthur Masuaku’s delivery to level the scores.
Portugal thought they’d taken the lead again early in the second half through João Cancelo, but the goal was ruled out for offside. DR Congo nearly won it themselves when Cedric Bakambu hit the post after getting past Bruno Fernandes.
Late substitute Francisco Conceição brought some energy to Portugal’s attack and created chances for Ronaldo, but the veteran couldn’t convert. DR Congo held on for a memorable point in their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Ronaldo had a frustrating night. He had 25 touches and three shots, none of which were on target. He won just one duel and recorded the second-fewest touches of his World Cup career in a starting appearance.
Ronaldo now has 143 international goals, the most in history. Lionel Messi sits second with 123. But on a night when Argentina won 3-0 and Messi scored a hat trick, Ronaldo was left frustrated and goalless.
Cristiano Ronaldo Endures Frustrating World Cup Opener as Portugal Drop Points Against DR Congo
Ronaldo had a pretty forgettable performance in the first match of his sixth World Cup. While Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland all scored in their opening matches, the 41-year-old Ronaldo couldn’t find the net in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo on Wednesday.
He did join Messi as the only players to appear in six World Cups. But a day after Messi scored a hat trick, Ronaldo missed a few chances to become the first player to score in a sixth tournament. His shots in the 68th and 73rd minutes went wide right, and he didn’t look happy after either one.
Ronaldo didn’t speak to reporters after the game, but he posted on X: “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez was asked if he considered taking Ronaldo out. “It makes no sense to get the best world scorer to be out when you need goals,” Martínez said. “The experience of Cristiano in the box is important. The way that he attracts defenders is important.”
Congo midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, who is 20 years younger than Ronaldo, addressed the challenge of facing one of the greatest to ever play the game. “We know that Ronaldo isn’t the same as before,” Mukau said. “So we know that he runs with less, less effort. So yeah, it was up to our defense to stop him, and they did a great job.”
Martínez was also asked if Ronaldo will start Portugal’s upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia. “We treat every player in the same way. We take it step by step,” Martínez said. “We’ll assess every player. It’s not a special issue. We don’t treat Cristiano with age… we treat him how he feels.”
Ronaldo did become the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, breaking the record set four years ago by Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson. Cameroon great Roger Milla is still the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup match. He came on as a substitute at 42 during the 1994 tournament.
This is likely to be Ronaldo’s final World Cup. The five-time Champions League winner currently plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Portugal will need him to find his form if they’re going to make a deep run.
FAQs
Q. What World Cup record did Cristiano Ronaldo set against DR Congo?
A. Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a men’s World Cup match.
Q. What did Roberto Martínez say about Cristiano Ronaldo?
A. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended Ronaldo. He also said every player will be assessed before the next match.
Q. Who will Portugal play next at the 2026 World Cup?
A. Portugal’s next Group K match is against Uzbekistan. They will then face Colombia in their final group-stage game.
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