Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team started their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a drab 1-1 draw against DR Congo on Wednesday.
As Ronaldo drew a blank in Portugal’s World Cup opener, fans did not hold back in their criticism of the Al-Nassr star.
Soccer World Reacts As Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal Struggle in World Cup Opener
A day after his rival Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina, Ronaldo entered the World Cup stage looking to lead Portugal to victory against DR Congo. However, Portugal failed to get the win despite a promising start as Yoane Wissa’s late strike in the first half meant that the spoils were shared.
As Ronaldo got his sixth World Cup campaign off to a disappointing start, the soccer world was quick to blast the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Watching this version of Ronaldo is actually so sad man. Can’t even hate on the guy, but he was washed at the 2022 World Cup, had a poor 2024 Euros yet is somehow leading the line in BIG 2026,” wrote a soccer content creator.
Watching this version of Ronaldo is actually so sad man.
Can’t even hate on the guy, but he was washed at the 2022 World Cup, had a poor 2024 Euros yet is somehow leading the line in BIG 2026.
— E (@Ellis_) June 17, 2026
Another claimed that Ronaldo was the biggest liability in this Portugal team after he failed to make an impact against DR Congo.
“Ronaldo is the biggest problem this Portugal super team has. The earlier they admit it, the better. There’s literally nothing a 41-year-old can do anymore,” they wrote.
Ronaldo is the biggest problem this Portugal super team has. The earlier they admit it, the better. There’s literally nothing a 41-year-old can do anymore.
— Mr.Page (@mfc_mrpage) June 17, 2026
ESPN pointed out how ineffective Ronaldo was during the game as he failed to guide Portugal to victory in their World Cup opener.
“25 touches. 3 shots (0 on target). 1 duel won. That is the 2nd least amount of touches Ronaldo has ever had in a World Cup start,” they wrote.
25 touches
3 shots (0 on target)
1 duel wonThat is the 2nd least amount of touches Ronaldo has ever had in a World Cup start 😮 pic.twitter.com/Z9huARpMTl
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2026
Stats provider Squawka pointed out Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive games in major tournaments for Portugal without a goal.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has gone 10 consecutive games in major tournaments without scoring, the longest run of his international career,” they wrote.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone 10 consecutive games in major tournaments without scoring, the longest run of his international career. https://t.co/105IBT6yL3
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 17, 2026
Portuguese tennis journalist José Morgado also weighed in on the shock result.
“Embarrassing but not surprising,” he wrote.
Embarrassing but not surprising! https://t.co/8X0z7WDA8Q
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 17, 2026
Journalist James Pearce also criticized Ronaldo’s performance.
“Brilliant from Congo. Thoroughly deserved that. Portugal so poor – Ronaldo a passenger,” he wrote.
Brilliant from Congo. Thoroughly deserved that. Portugal so poor – Ronaldo a passenger.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) June 17, 2026
Football journalist Ben DiNucci claimed that the World Cup has shown Ronaldo and Messi are no longer on the same level.
“So I found out in the last 24 hours that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are simply not on the same level. No idea if they ever were I don’t follow soccer but Messi was moving like a 22 year old last night,” he wrote.
So I found out in the last 24 hours that Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are simply not on the same level
No idea if they ever were I don’t follow soccer but Messi was moving like a 22 year old last night
— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) June 17, 2026
Portugal will hope to recover from this draw quickly and return to winning ways when they face Uzbekistan next Tuesday. Another resilient, defensive-minded team, Uzbekistan, could pose another tough test for Ronaldo and co.
