Before Portugal even plays its first match, Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness has become a hot topic.
Portugal will face DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup group stage on June 18 at 2 a.m. KST at the Houston Stadium in Texas.
As the team prepares for its first game, all eyes are on Ronaldo, who will be 41 years old during this tournament.
Ahead of the match, Ronaldo's impressive physique has taken social media by storm. Recently captured enjoying downtime with fellow Portuguese players at a beach in Palm Beach, Florida, his muscular build has led to jokes about photo editing.
Vitinha, a teammate, responded directly to the speculation during a press conference at the training camp in Palm Beach. "It's not a photoshopped picture; it's real," he said. "It's amazing that at 41, he still looks like that. I'm 26, and I can't achieve that."
This tournament marks Ronaldo's sixth World Cup appearance. He has been a fixture on the World Cup stage since the 2006 tournament in Germany, becoming the face of Portuguese football over the years. Despite numerous accolades, including victories in the UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Champions League, he has yet to lift the World Cup trophy.
Portugal is now viewed as a strong team following a generational shift, boasting a talented midfield with players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and João Neves. Under the guidance of coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal is once again considered a contender for the title. Ronaldo's role within the team will be a key point of interest.
However, DR Congo should not be underestimated. The team is returning to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, having previously participated in 1974 under the name Zaire. While Portugal is generally seen as the stronger side, the unique tension of a World Cup opener and the determination of an underdog could play a significant role.
Group K also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan alongside Portugal and DR Congo. For Portugal, securing three points in the opening match is crucial for establishing a solid footing in the group stage.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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