Roberto Martínez is clear: "Ronaldo is the last piece of the puzzle" for Portugal at the World Cup 2026
Mbappé, Haaland and Messi showed fierceness in the first two matches of the World Cup 2026, but Cristiano Ronaldo scored ninth against DR Congo. However, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez remains confident and regards Ronaldo as the "last piece of the puzzle."
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has emphasized that he has full confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo amid the star's slow start to World Cup 2026. After Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi shone in their first two matches, it was the opposite for Ronaldo who finished ninth against DR Congo.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://images.performgroup.com/transcoded/20260623/220626_EN_SPN_MARTINEZ_ON_RONALDO_RD_1782210692786-1_2847_1.jpeg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Despite this, Martínez insisted that his faith in the captain will remain, and even called Ronaldo Portugal's "last piece of the puzzle". The coach indicated that the presence and influence of his most veteran player is still important as the selection chases the right form in the tournament.
While the competition's other stars have struggled, the Portugal camp believe Ronaldo still has a key contribution to make in the upcoming matches. For Martínez, Ronaldo will remain central to the team's plan as they weave the complete picture of a campaign that is expected to culminate in the long-coveted crown.
