Cristiano Ronaldo’s record sixth World Cup appearance begins on Wednesday as Portugal open their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the team facing a familiar question: whether the veteran forward can still be the decisive force needed for a deep tournament run.

The 41-year-old captain remains one of the biggest figures in international football, but Portugal’s hopes depend on balancing Ronaldo’s experience and finishing ability with the strengths of a squad that has developed into one of the most complete teams at the competition.

Portugal enter the tournament with a strong midfield, an experienced defensive unit and a wide selection of attacking players. The central issue is whether Ronaldo’s presence will elevate the team or place additional pressure on a side built around several younger contributors.

For coach Roberto Martínez, Ronaldo remains a key part of the team’s structure. He said the forward continues to provide leadership, movement and goalscoring ability, while also creating space for teammates.The challenge comes from assessing how Ronaldo can influence matches at the highest level at this stage of his career.

At recent major tournaments, his impact has been questioned after Portugal showed they could perform effectively without relying entirely on him.At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Portugal produced their strongest attacking display after Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup for their last-16 match against Switzerland, where they won 6-1.

At Euro 2024, his performance in the quarter-final defeat by France raised further questions about his ability to dominate matches against elite opponents.However, Ronaldo has continued to produce important moments. During Portugal’s successful Nations League campaign in 2024-25, he scored six goals against strong opposition, reinforcing the argument that he can still influence major games.

The opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo will provide an early indication of his current level. DRC coach Sébastien Desabre acknowledged the threat Ronaldo poses, particularly from set pieces, describing him as one of the best players in football history.

The match has attracted additional attention after Ronaldo’s suspension situation was resolved. A three-match ban received during qualifying was reduced, allowing him to take part in Portugal’s opening fixture.The game will take place in Houston under a closed roof, with weather conditions affecting preparations.

Portugal’s training session was cancelled before the match because of storms around their base near Miami.For Ronaldo’s teammates, playing alongside him remains a significant moment.

Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes said being part of the same squad as Ronaldo was a major honour and that winning the tournament would be a major achievement for the team.

Bruno Fernandes, another important figure in Portugal’s midfield, also spoke about Ronaldo’s influence. He recalled watching Ronaldo play at Euro 2004 as a young fan, before later becoming his international teammate.Portugal’s squad contains several players capable of reducing the pressure on Ronaldo.

Midfielders such as Vitinha and Fernandes provide creativity, while the team’s attacking options allow Martínez to adjust tactics depending on the opposition.The manager’s task is to ensure Ronaldo’s importance does not restrict the team’s overall approach.

Portugal must use his strengths while maintaining the fluid attacking style that has helped them compete successfully in recent years.The forward scored five goals during Portugal’s World Cup qualifying campaign, including matches against Hungary and Armenia, and Martínez believes those numbers demonstrate that Ronaldo remains capable of contributing at the international level.

Beyond individual statistics, Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup carries historical significance. Few players have maintained an international career of this length, and his continued involvement has become a major storyline of the tournament.

For Portugal, however, the focus remains on results. The team have never won the World Cup and will look to combine Ronaldo’s experience with the ability of a new generation of players.

The match against the Democratic Republic of Congo will be the first measure of whether Ronaldo’s milestone tournament becomes a final chapter defined by success or a difficult reminder of football’s demands on ageing stars.

Bengaluru— Virat Kohli signalled that a scaled-back international workload has not diminished his competitive edge, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad with an unbeaten 69 in the opening match of the Indian Premier League season.

The 37-year-old has reduced his commitments in recent years, retiring from Twenty20 Internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup victory and stepping away from Test cricket following a 123-match career.

One-day internationals remain his only international format, a shift that reflects both workload management and a longer-term effort to sustain performance levels.

Kohli featured in 13 ODIs last year, scoring 651 runs, before returning to franchise cricket after his last appearance for India in January.

His innings in Bengaluru demonstrated continuity rather than decline, combining controlled strokeplay with situational awareness during a measured chase.

Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar described Kohli’s role as central to the team’s chasing strategy, underlining his consistency in high-pressure situations. Speaking after the match, Patidar said Kohli’s reading of the game and shot selection remain defining attributes, adding that his current form reflects both physical readiness and sustained motivation.

Patidar also pointed to Kohli’s preparation in training sessions, noting that his intensity and intent have remained unchanged despite the reduction in international fixtures.

The captain’s remarks indicate that Kohli continues to function as a senior figure within the squad, contributing both through performance and experience.

Kohli’s innings concluded with the winning runs, prompting vocal support from a capacity crowd. The reception highlighted his enduring popularity within the league and among Bengaluru supporters, even as his international appearances become less frequent.

Kohli attributed his recent form in part to the decision to limit his playing commitments, citing the cumulative demands of more than a decade of continuous international cricket. He said the schedule over the past 15 years carried a risk of burnout, and that periodic breaks have allowed him to maintain mental freshness.

The adjustment aligns with a broader trend among senior cricketers seeking to extend their careers by prioritising specific formats.

In Kohli’s case, the move has narrowed his focus while preserving his ability to contribute decisively in both international one-day matches and domestic franchise tournaments.

His performance in the season opener suggests that the recalibration has not disrupted rhythm or competitiveness. Instead, it reflects a strategic approach to workload that balances longevity with output, particularly in high-visibility tournaments such as the IPL.

The fixture also carried symbolic significance for Bengaluru, following a fatal stampede outside the stadium during last year’s maiden IPL title celebrations that resulted in 11 deaths. The franchise marked the occasion with a series of tributes, including leaving 11 seats vacant in the stands, wearing number 11 during the warm-up, and donning black armbands throughout the match.

A minute’s silence was observed before play began, acknowledging those who lost their lives. Patidar said the victims were regarded as part of the extended team community, noting their longstanding support for the franchise.

The commemorative gestures added a solemn dimension to the opening match, contrasting with the celebratory atmosphere typically associated with the start of a new IPL season.

The victory, while significant on the field, unfolded within a broader context of remembrance and institutional acknowledgment of the previous year’s events.

Kohli’s performance, anchored in composure and experience, provided a focal point for the contest, reinforcing his continued relevance within the league despite a changing international role.