Portugal failed to win their first group stage game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move that has sparked reactions over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the team.
Despite dominating possession and completing 740 passes, Roberto Martinez’s side mustered only one shot on target against Congo as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ronaldo’s inability to get on the score sheet saw his goal drought in major international tournaments to 10 matches, stretching back to the 2022 World Cup.
The 41-year-old, still the all-time leading international scorer, has been singled out by some football fans, including Thierry Henry, for his display.
However, international teammate Ruben Dias insists that outside opinion will not derail their campaign.
Bruno Fernandes reacts towards Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Speaking at Portugal’s training base on Friday, defender Ruben Dias described the reaction to the draw and the focus on Ronaldo as insignificant.
“The criticism is not significant for us, it’s noise and part of the competition… it’s all noise,” said Dias via The Independent.
“It always happens if you have a match that doesn’t go well. We’re closing ourselves off from unnecessary criticism.
The Manchester City defender instead chose to focus on the team’s ambition and discussed the demands on one of the most talented Portuguese sides in years to thrive in North America.
“Cristiano, of course, is used to dealing with the media pressure we usually face in the club, the national team, world tournaments, European competitions,” the centre-back explained.
“In this sort of competition, it will never be perfect… this is a competition you can win only if you play well game after game.”
Diaz who sat out of his team first game has declared himself fit and ready for Tuesday’s second group fixture against Uzbekistan.
The Manchester City defender believes Portugal have enough quality to find a response and reassert themselves in the group.
