Cristiano Ronaldo's role under scrutiny as Portugal aims for win over Uzbekistan at 2026 World Cup

Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup has been clouded by debate over veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo. After a 1‑1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the 41‑year‑old captain recorded only 25 touches in the match, prompting questions about his influence on the pitch.

Youthful teammates have weighed in ahead of the upcoming group game against Uzbekistan. Juventus winger Francisco Conceição said, “He is here to help, just like any other player,” adding that there is no obligation to pass the ball to Ronaldo and that the team must play to the best‑positioned player. Midfielder João Neves echoed the sentiment, calling Ronaldo “just another person here to contribute.” Coach Roberto Martínez remains supportive, confirming Ronaldo’s place in the squad despite the limited impact.

The Uzbekistan fixture is seen as a chance for Portugal to rebound and silence critics, while the internal discussion highlights the balancing act between honoring a legend and maintaining competitive performance.