Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of a FIFA World Cup record ahead of Portugal’s Group K opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston. Multiple reports note that Ronaldo is one goal away from reaching a career World Cup milestone, a feat that would not be held by Lionel Messi. The match is scheduled as Portugal’s first game in the 2026 World Cup group stage, with kickoff set for Wednesday. The reporting frames the game as an opportunity for Ronaldo to extend his international scoring legacy during a competition that has already featured many record-setting moments for him. Portugal and DR Congo both enter the match with Group K standings at stake, but the sources focus primarily on Ronaldo’s individual target and the possibility of him adding to his World Cup goals tally. If Ronaldo scores, he would set the new mark described by the outlets, while the broader outcome of the Group K opener will also affect both teams’ positions early in the tournament.