Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Latest news on Portugal lineup for 2026 World Cup game vs. Uzbekistan
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Latest news on Portugal lineup for 2026 World Cup game vs. Uzbekistan originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Portugal returns to the pitch on Tuesday afternoon for a pivotal Group K clash with Uzbekistan, with its 2026 World Cup hopes in need of a jolt.
Portugal’s team is, of course, headlined by star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who opened the tournament by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. However, his return to the World Cup stage did not go to plan, as Portugal was held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo, with Ronaldo unable to find the back of the net.
That result has only intensified the questions surrounding how Portugal should deploy its 41-year-old captain. With Colombia already clear at the top of the group and Uzbekistan still searching for its first point, Portugal needs a win to take control of its own path to the round of 32.
Portugal remains the favorite against Uzbekistan, but after stumbling out of the gate, the team can no longer afford another slip. How Ronaldo is used in this match could shape the rest of Portugal’s tournament.
Here’s a look at Portugal’s plan for Ronaldo on Tuesday.
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today?
Ronaldo was selected to start against Uzbekistan, leading the line for Portugal in a must-win Group K encounter. Despite growing calls to bench the veteran, head coach Roberto Martinez has kept faith with Ronaldo at center-forward.
The match will mark Ronaldo’s 24th appearance in his World Cup career and his 22nd start for Portugal on the game’s biggest stage. He started each of his first 20 World Cup appearances before coming off the bench twice at the 2022 tournament.
Portugal lineup vs. Uzbekistan
Ronaldo will start at center-forward for Portugal against Uzbekistan as the team chases its first win of the tournament. Portugal is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa (GK); Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Fernandes, Joao Felix, Neto; Ronaldo
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS: Who will win the World Cup in 2026? Updated FIFA World Rankings How World Cup qualifying works Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:
- Who will win the World Cup in 2026?
- Updated FIFA World Rankings
- How World Cup qualifying works
- Explaining the expanded World Cup bracket
- Full list of teams to qualify for 2026 World Cup
When is Cristiano Ronaldo’s next World Cup match?
Ronaldo and Portugal face Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23rd in their second Group K match of the tournament. Portugal will then close out the group stage on Saturday, June 27th against Colombia, a fixture that could decide the group if results fall a certain way.
Portugal 2026 World Cup schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 17 | 1:00 p.m. | Portugal 1-1 DR Congo | NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) |
| June 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Portugal vs. Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) |
| June 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Colombia vs. Portugal | Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL) |
