Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and Portugal's defender #05 Diogo Dalot (R) take part in an MD-1 training session at Gardens North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens, on June 22, 2026, on the eve of the 2026 World cup Group K football match between Portugal and Uzbekistan.

Ronaldo keeps his place in Portugal XI despite scoring struggles

Gianluca Nesci
PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP / Getty

Cristiano Ronaldo kept his place in Portugal's starting lineup for Tuesday's World Cup match against Uzbekistan.

There were growing calls for the 41-year-old to be dropped after a poor performance in Portugal's tournament-opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, but head coach Roberto Martinez is sticking with his captain.

Martinez previously dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo was hindering his team on the pitch following the first match.

Ronaldo is looking to become the first man to score in six different World Cups.

A goal at Houston Stadium would also snap his 10-match scoreless streak for Portugal at major tournaments, a run that dates back to the 2022 World Cup.

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