Portugal must get more from Cristiano Ronaldo as they take on Uzbekistan in search of their first win of the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opener, with Yoane Wissa snatching a point for the African side in first-half stoppage time.
Joao Neves had opened the scoring with a sixth-minute glancing header, and the midfielder will be prominent once more against Uzbekistan in what many have described as the midfield trio of the tournament. Neves lines up alongside Paris Saint-Germain club-mate Vitinha, with Manchester United captain and Premier League player of the season Bruno Fernandes ahead of them as the No10.
Ronaldo's Record and Role
Debate rages on about talismanic striker Ronaldo, who against the DR Congo became the oldest outfield player ever at a World Cup at 41 years of age. He, of course, will start up top once more, but his supporting cast is slightly different with ex-Chelsea forward Joao Felix replacing new Real Madrid star Bernardo Silva. That is one of two changes to the Portugal XI as Ruben Dias - who was not fit enough to start in the opener - replaces Tomas Araujo to partner Renato Veiga at the heart of the defence.
Confirmed Team News
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Fernandes, Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Joao Felix, Ronaldo. Substitutes: Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Dalot, Nunes, Semedo, Inacio, Araujo, Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Bernardo Silva, Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
