Ronaldo urges Portugal to stay positive after 1-1 draw with DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo shared pictures from Portugal's latest training session ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, June 23. The Portugal captain looked sharp during ball drills and fitness exercises as Roberto Martinez's side prepared for a must-win game after being held by DR Congo in their opening match.The Portugal captain posted several photos from the team's practice at their training base, showing him working with the ball, taking part in passing drills and sweating it out under the Florida sun. The images quickly went viral as fans backed Ronaldo to lead Portugal back to winning ways.Focados na missão pic.twitter.com/XFZLopKA1w— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 21, 2026 Ronaldo Looks Sharp In TrainingThe photos show Ronaldo in high spirits as he trained with his Portugal teammates ahead of their second Group K fixture. In one image, the 41-year-old is seen dribbling the ball during a drill, while another captures him controlling the ball with his head.Ronaldo is also seen exchanging a water bottle with a teammate during a break before returning to an intense training exercise. The veteran forward looked fully focused as Portugal fine-tuned their preparations for the clash against Uzbekistan.Portugal Seek First WinPortugal head into the match under pressure after being held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K fixture. Roberto Martinez's side dominated possession and created several chances, but they struggled to convert their control into goals.Midfielder Joao Neves gave Portugal an early lead before Yoane Wissa equalised for DR Congo just before half-time. Ronaldo played the full match but failed to register a shot on target as Portugal settled for a point.With Colombia leading Group K after beating Uzbekistan, Portugal know that victory over the World Cup debutants is important to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.Cristiano Ronaldo Kneels Down To Tease Francisco Conceição Over His Height In Hilarious Training VideoUzbekistan Present Tricky ChallengeUzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia in their opening match but impressed after the break despite making their FIFA World Cup debut. Portugal have been warned not to underestimate Fabio Cannavaro's side, who are expected to put up another disciplined defensive performance.Portugal have been working on improving their finishing in training after criticism of their attacking display in the opener. Ronaldo, who is playing in his record sixth FIFA World Cup, will once again be the player to watch as Portugal look for all three points.

Portugal defender Ruben Dias has dismissed the criticism aimed at Cristiano Ronaldo following the team's 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, calling it "noise" and stressing the squad remains united. Ronaldo struggled in the match, recording just 25 touches and failing to score, extending his run to 10 matches without a goal in major competitions. Portugal face Uzbekistan on June 23 aiming for their first win of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal came away with a frustrating draw against Congo DR to open the World Cup. Fans aren't coping well.

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged fans to stay positive after Portugal's frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 17.

Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo struck an optimistic tone after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite dropping points in a game many expected Portugal to win, the veteran forward urged his teammates and supporters to remain positive as the tournament progresses.Shortly after the final whistle, Ronaldo took to X to share a message of encouragement, acknowledging the disappointing result while stressing that Portugal's World Cup journey is still very much alive. "It wasn't the start we wanted, but this is far from over. Head up and focus on the next game," he wrote.Não era o arranque que queríamos, mas isto está longe de ter acabado. Cabeça levantada e foco no próximo jogo. pic.twitter.com/YoH3RQcz9z— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 17, 2026 Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favourites in Group K but were unable to secure all three points against a determined DR Congo side. The draw leaves Roberto Martinez's men with work to do in their remaining group-stage fixtures as they aim to reach the knockout rounds.Ronaldo's message quickly resonated with fans, many praising the 41-year-old for maintaining his leadership role despite the setback. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has repeatedly emphasized the importance of staying composed during major tournaments, and his latest post reflected that same mentality.Portugal will now turn their attention to their next group match, knowing that a victory could quickly put their World Cup campaign back on track. With Ronaldo calling for calm and focus, the Portuguese squad will hope to bounce back strongly and show why they remain among the contenders to lift football's biggest prize.

Cristiano Ronaldo has told Portugal to keep their heads up after a frustrating start to their 2026 World Cup campaign in Houston. The Portugal captain reacted after Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener on Wednesday night.