Live: Cristiano Ronaldo starts as Portugal begins its World Cup campaign

Portugal comes into this World Cup as one of the big favourites, offering superstar Cristiano Ronaldo potentially his last chance at global glory.

Later, England kicks off its campaign against Croatia, the team that beat the Three Lions at the semifinal stage in 2018.

Then, Ghana takes on Panama and Uzbekistan gets its competition underway against Colombia.

Follow all the action in our live blog.

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Portugal vs Congo DR

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Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:45am

Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:45am

A last hurrah for Ronaldo

Three and a half years ago, a then 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo was released by Manchester United midway through Qatar 2022.

He didn't start all the games at the tournament, and by the time a teary Ronaldo trudged off the field after Portugal's quarter-final loss to Morocco, it felt very unlikely the superstar would make it to another World Cup.

But make it he did.

Now 41, Ronaldo is coming off three successful seasons in the Saudi Pro League, and has - surely, this time - one final shot at global glory.

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Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:39am

Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:39am

Portugal team news: Ronaldo supported by the tournament's strongest midfield

By Henry Hanson

It's a starting XI of real beauty for Portugal.

Vitinha and Joao Neves, both two-time defending Champions League winners with PSG, start in midfield alongside Premier League player of the season Bruno Fernandes, while Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes lineup as two of the finest attacking fullbacks at the tournament.

Chelsea wide man Pedro Neto and new Real Madrid signing Bernardo Silva start on either side of some 41-year-old playing in Saudi Arabia called Cristiano Ronaldo.

Anyone seen him play? I've heard he's quite good.

Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:24am

Thu 18 Jun 2026 at 2:24am

Hello!

By Henry Hanson

Good morning and welcome back to ABC Sport's online coverage of the 2026 World Cup.

Yesterday, Lionel Messi rolled back the years to score a maiden and quite remarkable tournament hat-trick against Algeria.

This morning, arch-rival and fellow 21st century titan Cristiano Ronaldo begins what will surely be his final World Cup.

The 41-year-old, still desperate for global glory, starts up front for Portugal, who take on DR Congo in Houston.

Then, we're staying in Texas as England and Croatia lock horns in a mouthwatering opening to Group L in Dallas.

Ghana and Panama face off in Toronto after that, before Uzbekistan and Colombia become the tournament's final two teams to get their campaigns underway.

We have another massive day ahead of us.

My name's Henry and I can't wait to guide you through the first half of the day's action.

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