Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has declined to guarantee that Cristiano Ronaldo will be the team’s undisputed starting striker throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s opening group-stage match against DR Congo, Martinez was asked whether Ronaldo would automatically be the first-choice center-forward for the tournament. The question comes amid competition from Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, who is also viewed as a strong option for the role.
Rather than offering a direct answer, the Portuguese coach emphasized the importance of managing player fitness during a demanding tournament schedule.
“When it comes to playing time, we need to carefully monitor workloads and reassess the situation from match to match and day by day,” Martinez explained.
“Playing every three to five days is a difficult challenge. It is important to evaluate each player individually and make decisions based on their physical condition and readiness.”
The comments suggest that Portugal could rotate attacking options depending on the opponent, player fitness, and tactical requirements as the World Cup progresses.
Portugal begin their campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 Kyiv time. All eyes will be on whether Ronaldo starts the match and what role he will play in Portugal’s pursuit of World Cup glory.
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