Portugal vs. Congo DR: Cristiano Ronaldo set to lead Portuguese charge in 2026 World Cup opener

Cristiano Ronaldo is acceptable to run successful the last 3rd of the tract erstwhile Portugal statesman their 2026 World Cup situation with a clash against Congo DR connected Wednesday.

The 41-year-old was sent disconnected successful Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualification fixture against the Republic of Ireland past November, which should person seen him handed a three-match ban, considering that it was deemed convulsive conduct.

However, FIFA decided to suspend for 1 twelvemonth the last 2 matches, fixed that the superstar had not received a reddish paper successful his different 225 planetary appearances.

It was a arguable decision, but Ronaldo is disposable for the commencement of this World Cup and is expected to beryllium successful the starting broadside for Roberto Martinez's team.

There are improbable to beryllium immoderate surprises erstwhile it comes to the Portugal XI for this game, with Joao Neves, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes owed to commencement disconnected the backmost of helping Paris Saint-Germain to triumph the 2025-26 Champions League title.

Bruno Fernandes, caller from an fantabulous play astatine Manchester United, volition beryllium different notable sanction successful the Portugal XI here.

Meanwhile, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva are some owed to commencement Portugal's opening lucifer astatine this summer's competition.

Portugal imaginable starting lineup:

D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto

> Click present to spot however Congo DR could enactment up against Portugal