Ronaldo becomes fourth-oldest player in World Cup history at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo started Portugal's opening Group K match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the 2026 World Cup, entering the lineup at 41 years and 132 days old. He is now the fourth-oldest player in World Cup history including goalkeepers, behind Egypt's Essam El-Hadary (45 years, 161 days), Colombia's Faryd Mondragón (43 years, 3 days) and Cameroon's Roger Milla (42 years, 39 days). Midfielder João Neves gave Portugal a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute with a headed goal, becoming the third-youngest scorer in the country's World Cup history at 21 years and 8 months. Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal at 21 years and 4 months, while Gonçalo Ramos netted his at 21 years and 5 months. Portugal is competing in Group 11 alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.