Portugal entered the 2026 World Cup looking built for a statement start, with a squad worth nearly 1 billion euros, Bruno Fernandes in top form after being named Premier League Player of the Season, and Paris Saint-Germain trio Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes fresh from winning the Champions League for a second straight year. Cristiano Ronaldo also appeared to be playing his final major international tournament, and the opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo seemed favorable on paper.
Instead, Portugal labored to a 1:1 draw in Houston after dominating possession with 75 percent of the ball but creating little of substance. Roberto Martinez, hired to replace Fernando Santos and bring Portugal a more attacking, fluid and attractive style, again looked stuck in sterile possession and predictable buildup. Rafael Leao and Joao Felix were left on the bench while Portugal kept forcing attacks through the crowded center, with the midfield trio of Vitinha, Neves and Fernandes combining for 218 touches in the first half before dropping to 109 in the second.
Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said Martinez was “one of the most disappointing coaches in this World Cup so far,” accusing him of wasting Belgium’s golden generation and now doing the same in Portugal. He argued that leaving Leao and Felix unused showed a conservative approach that is too cautious, too late with substitutions, and too limited in creativity.
The criticism intensified around Ronaldo, who finished with zero shots on target and only 25 touches. Martinez defended keeping the 41-year-old captain on the pitch, saying, “There was no logic to taking Cristiano Ronaldo off when we were looking for goals.” Chris Sutton called that explanation “embarrassing,” saying Martinez “is not really the manager here.” Portuguese reports also say Martinez is negotiating with Saudi club Al-Nassr, raising questions about possible conflict of interest if he one day works under Ronaldo at club level. Portugal next face Uzbekistan in a crucial match, where Martinez will be judged on whether he can make bold decisions and avoid repeating the same mistake he made with Belgium.
