Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start Tuesday vs. Uzbekistan in the team's second match of 2026 World Cup Group K play at NRG Stadium in Houston at 1 p.m. ET.
Ronaldo is playing again, and Ronaldo is starting. But the debate still remains — should he be in the Portugal starting XI?
Ronaldo’s role on the Portugal national team has become the subject of debate after Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo, as the 41-year-old walked off the pitch alone.
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He’s now extended his goalless run in major tournament games to 10 games. There are rumors of off-the-field turmoil, while his superstar status has clearly burned out — even as the spotlight remains on him.
However, manager Robert Martinez has shown zero interest in pulling the plug on the face of Portugal football, even in what is now a must-win vs. Uzbekistan.
Let’s break down if Ronaldo is starting in the World Cup for Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, what his role may be, and the best Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup picks and projections for PrizePicks.
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Is Ronaldo Playing Today in the World Cup Game vs. Uzbekistan?
Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal vs. Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.
Martinez has already defended his decision not to substitute Ronaldo out of the match against Congo, so it's reasonable to expect the long-time Portugal star to be in the lineup.
The manager's public position has been consistent: Ronaldo stays.
"It makes no sense to get the best goalscorer in world football out in a game that you need goals," Martinez said after the draw to DR Congo. “For us in moments like this, the experience of Cristiano in the box is important.”
Projected Portugal Lineup vs. Uzbekistan
The projected lineup for Portugal vs. Uzbekistan puts Ronaldo at the top of the formation.
Predicted Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Araújo, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Silva, Fernandes, Leão; Ronaldo
Find our full Portugal vs. Uzbekistan prediction and lineups here
Group K is led by Colombia on three points, with Portugal and DR Congo on one and Uzbekistan still searching for their first. A win today keeps Portugal on track. Another draw makes the final group match against Colombia a must-win with serious implications.
The Ronaldo Lineup Controversy, Explained
Portugal have one of the best midfields at this tournament — Fernandes, João Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva — and it seems almost certain that Ronaldo is limiting what they can be.
In the Congo opener, Ronaldo played all 90 minutes and finished with 3 shot attempts, 0 chances created, and 0 defensive interventions, although the last one isn't all that rare for a striker.
It was his second-fewest touches in 23 World Cup appearances, and 17 of his 22 attempted passes went backwards.
The defining moment: he cut away from the six-yard box to chase his own shot on a crossing pass, leaving Fernandes — the intended target. The off-balanced shot went well off-target.
The problem is that the 41-year-old striker is the focus of the entire offense, with players bending their game to fit his. In fact, he still draws plenty of attention from opposing defenses, which could help open up his teammates. Instead, he is dragging them down.
And it goes without saying — the Messi coomparisons are unavoidable. The night before Portugal vs. DR Congo World Cup opener, Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria. Then he added 2 more on Monday.
At 38, Messi no longer has his pace either — but he picks the moments to impose himself. Ronaldo demands the game comes to him; it no longer does.
Martinez is too committed to Ronaldo's legend to say it out loud. Even when Gonçalo Ramos came on in the 83rd minute against Congo, it was for Vitinha — a midfielder — not Ronaldo.
And that could limit Portugal from making a real run in the World Cup. Whereas if his role was more limited, if he was not so selfish in the box, he could actually make the most significant impact on this team — and maybe even make it to his first career World Cup.
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Cristiano Ronaldo Pick, World Cup Stats to Target vs. Uzbekistan
Whether you think Ronaldo bounces back vs. Uzbekistan or fumbles the bag again, you can back your takes on PrizePicks. Just pick More or Less on Ronaldo’s projected stats — listed below — and cash in if you’re right.
PrizePicks is offering a 1.5 shots discount for Ronaldo today — down from 4.5 shots — on the board as part of the Rep Your Side Sweepstakes, where you can win a trip for 2 to the WC Final.
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Cristiano Ronaldo – 1.5 Shots
- In 2025 UEFA Qualifying, Ronaldo averaged 7.44 shots per 90 minutes for Portugal, per Fotmob.
- That includes 2.88 shots on target.
- Even in UEFA Nations in 2024, he averaged 4.67 shots per game.
- Ronaldo has had 2+ shots in seven straight group stage games, per FBref.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 0.5 Goals (Goblin)
- Ronaldo has gone 10 games without a goal in major tournaments.
- It’s hard to see Portugal’s structure — built around getting Ronaldo the ball in the box — changing in a matter of a week.
- Ronaldo averaged 1.2 goals per 90 (slightly lower than his 1.38 xG) per 90 in UEFA Qualifying last year.
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Make Ronaldo World Cup 2026 Picks Now!
Will Cristiano Ronaldo bounce back from a disappointing Matchday 1 and help Portugal grab three points vs. Uzbekistan on Tuesday? The soccer legend will need to step up, make runs to open up his teammates, and take advantage of his opportunities — and that favors today's World Cup Discount on his shots on PrizePicks.
Whether you’re claiming the Cristiano Ronaldo Discount, claiming your $50 bonus using promo code PLAYBOOKFC, aiming to win those Final tickets in the Rep Your Side Sweepstakes, or stacking your World Cup picks, PrizePicks is where to run your World Cup takes from the opening whistle through the Final.
Open the PrizePicks app, head to the World Cup board, and make your Portugal vs. Uzbekistan picks before kickoff.
Keep it locked on PrizePicks Playbook all tournament for World Cup predictions, picks, news, and analysis for every game, every day of the World Cup.
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