Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez dismisses claims that Cristiano Ronaldo should have been rested for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match against Colombia. According to the reports, Martinez directly rejects the idea that Ronaldo’s inclusion was a mistake and responds strongly to suggestions that he needed rest for the game. He characterizes the criticism as unjustified, using the term “childish,” and indicates the decision is not up for reconsideration on the basis of the speculation circulating after the match. The coverage centers on Martinez’s stance rather than on any new injury or lineup context, presenting his comments as a clear answer to the question of why Ronaldo played. Overall, the outlets agree on the main point: Martinez publicly pushes back against calls to have rested Ronaldo ahead of the Colombia fixture, framing the debate as unreasonable.