Cristiano Ronaldo, Captain of Portugal, has said, he feels a “sense of responsibility” whenever he flaunts his home country’s colours, adding, there is no difference with how he felt “on the first day”.
The Al Nassr forward will lead Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K opener against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday 17 June, 2026 at the retractable roof multi-purpose Houston stadium in Houston, Texas at 18:00 (WAT).
The Team of the Shields will kick off a “new chapter” on Wednesday evening, the former Manchester United forward said via X.
He said, Portugal deserved to be at the World Cup 2026 after “working hard”, adding, the time to “give everything for our country” has come.
Portugal, who are 5th in FIFA rankings, will be seeking their first World Cup Championship, while, DR Congo are ranked 46th as they make their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Ronaldo said: “Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion, and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day.
“Tomorrow begins a new chapter.
“We worked hard to reach this moment, and now it’s time to give everything for our Country, and for all the Portuguese communities that support us here and around the world. Believe it like we do!”
The clash will be the first ever between Portugal and DR Congo.
Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal
