HOUSTON - Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal in Wednesday’s World Cup Group K opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. At 41, Ronaldo makes his sixth World Cup appearance, tying Lionel Messi’s all-time record first set during his 2006 debut.
Portugal faces significant defensive adjustments after Ruben Dias was ruled out with an injury. Tomas Araujo and Renato Veiga will anchor the center-back pairing. Midfielder Bernardo Silva also enters the starting lineup on the same day Real Madrid officially confirmed his transfer.
The Democratic Republic of Congo returns to the global stage for the first time in 52 years. Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu lead the attack as the nation seeks its first World Cup victory since 1974. Portugal enters this match seeking continuity in their seventh consecutive tournament appearance.