Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United star, didn’t hold back his thoughts on Portugal’s lackluster performance against DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup. However, he made it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t to blame for the team’s struggles.
According to Rooney, the 41-year-old Ronaldo remains a lethal finisher when given proper service. He pointed out that the team’s failure to create chances was the real issue, not the veteran striker’s age or form.
Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but their opening match was a disappointment. Joao Neves scored an early header, raising hopes of a comfortable win, but DR Congo equalized through Yoane Wissa’s header—their first ever World Cup goal.
Ronaldo, playing in his sixth World Cup, matched Lionel Messi’s record for appearances but couldn’t find the back of the net. He missed the chance to become the first player to score in six different tournaments.
Speaking on BBC One, Rooney said, ‘The first group game is huge, and Portugal didn’t show enough energy or urgency. I wanted to see more players running beyond Ronaldo. The stats over the last few years don’t matter. If Ronaldo gets a good chance, he’ll score.’
Rooney’s comments highlight a growing narrative: Portugal’s struggles are systemic, not individual. With Ronaldo still capable of delivering, the team needs to step up their game to avoid an early exit.