Ronaldo Begins World Cup Quest Today

Darwin, 18 June : Portugal return to the World Cup stage today. Their campaign begins with a match against DR Congo at 11:00 PM, marking the start of Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest pursuit of football’s most coveted prize. But when Portugal step onto the pitch, it will be more than just another football match. It may well be the opening chapter of a legend’s final World Cup journey.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now 41 years old. At this age, most footballers are telling stories about their careers. Some move into coaching, while others become television pundits. Ronaldo, however, is still on the field. He is still chasing goals. He is still chasing dreams.

And that dream is called the World Cup.

Football has given him almost everything. Five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, a European Championship, a Nations League trophy, and recognition as the highest goalscorer in international football history. Yet one prize remains missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup.

That is why the 2026 World Cup feels different. It is not just another major tournament for Portugal. It is the story of a nation sharing one final great dream with its greatest-ever player.

Portuguese football has produced many legends. Eusébio, Luís Figo and Rui Costa all inspired generations, but none managed to bring the World Cup trophy home.

Neither has Ronaldo—at least not yet.

He played his first World Cup in 2006 and guided Portugal to the semi-finals. Since then, four more World Cups have passed. Spain, Germany, Uruguay and Morocco have each stood in his way at different moments.

The image of Ronaldo walking down the tunnel in tears after Portugal’s defeat to Morocco in 2022 remains vivid in the minds of many fans. At the time, many believed it was the end. But Ronaldo refused to accept that fate. Four years later, he is back on football’s biggest stage, perhaps for one final time.

This Portuguese side, however, may be more balanced than any Ronaldo has played with before.

Under Roberto Martínez, Portugal are no longer solely dependent on their captain. They possess one of Europe’s strongest midfields. Bruno Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat of the team, while Vitinha and João Neves control the tempo in midfield. Bernardo Silva continues to influence virtually every area of the pitch.

The defence is equally solid. Rúben Dias leads the backline, Nuno Mendes is regarded as one of the world’s best attacking full-backs, and Diogo Costa provides security in goal. Up front stands Ronaldo.

His role is no longer to sprint relentlessly across the pitch. His job now is simpler but no less important: score goals, be in the right place at the right time, and use his experience to change matches.

Still, the challenge is far from easy.

Modern football demands intense pressing and constant movement, something naturally difficult for a 41-year-old player. As a result, teammates such as Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição and Pedro Neto will need to contribute defensively and shoulder greater responsibility.

For Martínez, this World Cup will be a significant tactical test.

Yet Portugal’s emotional motivation extends beyond Ronaldo. Last year, the nation was devastated by the tragic death of Diogo Jota in a road accident.

When announcing his World Cup squad, Martínez remarked that this was not a squad of 26 players, but 27—because Jota remains with them in spirit. That sentiment may have strengthened the team’s unity even further.

Tonight, Portugal begin their group-stage campaign against DR Congo. On paper, it may appear to be a favourable fixture. But nothing comes easy at a World Cup.

More importantly, millions of eyes will be fixed on one man: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The boy from the small island of Madeira who rose to become one of the greatest names in football history.

The man who has carried Portugal’s hopes for more than two decades.

Tonight, he takes the field once again with the same hunger that has defined his career. Perhaps this is the beginning of his final footballing journey. Perhaps this is his last opportunity.

And if fortune finally smiles upon him, North America could become the setting for the most beautiful story in Portuguese football history.

Can Ronaldo do it? Can Portugal make history?

Only time will provide the answer.