Portugal great Ronaldo fails to score in a surprising 1-1 draw against Congo at the World Cup
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Congo in Houston, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
AP Photo/Ashley Landis
HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a pretty forgettable performance in the first match of his sixth World Cup. After Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all scored in their opening matches, the 41-year-old Ronaldo couldn’t find the net in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Congo.
Vinícius Júnior, Christian Pulisic, Viktor Gyökeres and Harry Kane also all scored early in this year's World Cup, making Ronaldo being held scoreless stand out even more. Ronaldo posted on social media “it wasn’t the start we wanted, but this is far from over.”
Ronaldo did become the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match.