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Both goals were scored in the first half, thanks to Portugal's Joao Neves and Yoane Wissa of Congo. There was not much action in the second half. For Portugal, a draw is a disappointing result, but for DR Congo, they got what they needed. Ronaldo and the squad need to step up their game in the next matches.
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the World Cup Group K football match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, June 17, 2026. Photo by AP |
Ronaldo is playing his 23rd World Cup match, equaling Paolo Maldini and ranking fourth in the tournament's history. Only Lionel Messi (27 matches), Lothar Matthaus (25) and Miroslav Klose (24) have played more World Cup matches than the Portuguese striker.
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) controls the ball as Congo's Aaron Wan-Bissaka defends during the World Cup Group K football match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, June 17, 2026. Photo by AP |
This match will mark Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth World Cup appearance, equaling Lionel Messi's record set just a day earlier. The 41-year-old striker became the oldest player ever to play for the Portugal national team, surpassing Pepe's previous record.
At 41 years and 132 days old, Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the oldest player (excluding goalkeepers) to start a World Cup match.
Ronaldo is currently the oldest player to compete in the 2026 World Cup, ahead of 43-year-old Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. With eight goals in World Cup finals, he is only one goal short of Portuguese legend Eusebio's record of nine and has a chance to equal or surpass it.
