Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has declined to confirm whether captain Cristiano Ronaldo will start in his side’s Round of 32 clash against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo featured in all three of Portugal’s group-stage matches, scoring twice in the team’s victory over Uzbekistan. However, the 41-year-old has come under scrutiny, with some critics urging Martinez to leave him out of the starting lineup, arguing that his presence affects the team’s overall style of play.
Despite the growing debate, Martinez refused to reveal his plans for the knockout fixture, insisting that every selection decision would be guided by performance data and tactical considerations.
“Cristiano has always been a player who knows how to be in the right place at the right time,” Martinez said.
“He is highly disciplined in his positioning, and he also creates space for his teammates to exploit.
“There is no concern about his physical or mental condition. We may make changes for the next match, but every decision will be based on the information and data available to us.”
Portugal will face Croatia in the Round of 32 as they seek a place in the next stage of the tournament, with Ronaldo’s role expected to remain one of the key talking points ahead of the encounter.