Portugal Faces Backlash After Opening World Cup Draw Amid Ronaldo, Martinez Conflict Claims

Portugal opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Congo, which earned its first-ever point and first-ever goal in World Cup history. After the match, much of the criticism focused on Cristiano Ronaldo and national team coach Roberto Martinez.

The main complaint was that Martinez kept Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes despite his being barely involved. The criticism has now been linked to reports that Martinez had already begun negotiating to become the next coach of Al Nassr before the World Cup.

Martinez’s current Portugal contract runs through the end of the World Cup, and the talks with Al Nassr have fueled accusations that his decisions involving Ronaldo are influenced by his future club job. In other words, critics say he is giving Ronaldo more credit than his performances justify.

A French report quoted in the article said there is a “real problem,” adding that the federation cannot ignore it. It claimed other players are tired of Ronaldo’s excessive preferential treatment and that someone needs to speak up, though it also suggested the federation will stay silent because “Cristiano Ronaldo is more important in the country than the president of Portugal.”

Portugal next faces Uzbekistan in the second round, viewed as the easiest possible opponent after the opening setback. Another dropped result would intensify the anger of supporters, while only a win, and perhaps a Ronaldo goal, is likely to calm things down.