Martinez backs Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo

Who: Portugal manager Roberto Martinez and captain Cristiano Ronaldo. What: Martinez publicly defended Ronaldo after Portugal’s 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo on June 17, 2026. When: The comments came in the aftermath of the Group K opener in Houston. Why it matters: The result leaves Portugal under pressure in a tricky group and reignites debate over Ronaldo’s role as a starter after a subdued display that saw the 41-year-old complete just 20 passes and register no shots on target.

Martinez stands by Ronaldo despite quiet display

Martinez was unequivocal in his defence of Ronaldo after the draw, arguing that the veteran’s presence on the pitch matters beyond the matchday statistics. "When we're looking for a goal, Cristiano has to be on the field," the Spanish coach said, rejecting the idea of substituting his captain in the second half. Martinez pointed to Ronaldo’s experience in the box and the way he influences opposing defensive shape, saying that even when direct end-product is limited his role remains decisive.

What Ronaldo did — and didn’t — contribute against DR Congo

On paper, Ronaldo’s attacking numbers were modest: the 41-year-old completed 20 passes and did not register a shot on target. Martinez acknowledged that the match proved difficult to break down because DR Congo set up a compact defensive block that limited service into the penalty area. Even so, Martinez highlighted a different kind of contribution: Ronaldo’s off-the-ball movement that occupied DR Congo centre-backs Steve Kapuadi and Axel Tuanzebe early on, opening the space for Joao Neves to head home in the sixth minute.

Why it matters for Portugal’s World Cup campaign

The opening draw leaves Portugal with work to do in Group K. Martinez referenced the unpredictable nature of World Cup group stages — pointing to past shocks such as Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and Spain’s 2010 slip against Switzerland — to underline that early results do not necessarily define a tournament. Still, dropping two points in the opener increases the stakes for Portugal’s remaining fixtures against Uzbekistan and Colombia.

• Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo in their World Cup opener (match_data).
• Cristiano Ronaldo completed 20 passes and had no shots on target in the match (source).
• Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on the field, saying he is needed when Portugal seek a goal (source).
• Joao Neves scored early from a header in the sixth minute after Ronaldo’s movement disrupted DR Congo’s centre-backs (source).
• Portugal face Uzbekistan and Colombia next in Group K (source).

Ronaldo’s reaction and the squad atmosphere

After the final whistle Ronaldo initially walked straight to the tunnel but later spoke briefly in the mixed zone and on social media, offering a measured take: "We didn't lack anything. This is football. Portugal could have won but also lost," he said. Martinez stressed that the squad must learn and adapt as the tournament progresses, framing the draw as a moment in a longer process rather than a terminal failure.

Martinez’s choice to keep Ronaldo on the pitch despite a subdued statistical influence reflects a selection judgement about the captain’s intangible value — the way he shapes defenders and the potential to change a game even when direct chances are limited.

What happens next

Portugal must regroup quickly with two group matches to come. Martinez will have to balance the need to get goals with squad management, and the handling of Ronaldo — whether as an assured starter or part of a rotated plan — will remain central to selection conversations ahead of the games with Uzbekistan and Colombia.