
17 June 2026
Ronaldo's Sixth World Cup: Portugal's Greatest Test or Greatest Gift?
Portugal face the DRC on Wednesday with Cristiano Ronaldo's presence raising as many questions as it answers about their title chances.
Few footballers have ever reached a sixth World Cup, and The Guardian reports that Wednesday's match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston is the opening chapter of Ronaldo's latest attempt to lift the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout his career.
Teammates and opponents alike have spoken warmly of Ronaldo, according to The Guardian. But the piece frames the DRC game as a genuine test of what the veteran forward can still bring at the very highest level.
Portugal have never reached a World Cup final, and their best ever finish remains a third place at the 1966 tournament. The question for Roberto Martinez's side is whether Ronaldo remains an asset or whether the pressure of his milestone appearance adds weight to a squad many believe is talented enough to go all the way.
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