Roberto Martinez Refuses to Guarantee Cristiano Ronaldo Starting Role at 2026 World Cup After Nigeria Friendly

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has stopped short of assuring Cristiano Ronaldo a starting berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that squad selection remains open-ended and form-dependent ahead of the tournament.

The declaration followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly on Wednesday, a match in which Ronaldo led the line but delivered a largely underwhelming performance. Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the hosts before Akor Adams levelled for the Super Eagles. Francisco Conceiçao then settled the contest with a 74th-minute winner, sending Portugal into the World Cup on the back of a positive result — if not a convincing display.

Martinez, speaking after the match, addressed questions about Ronaldo’s place in the team with characteristic caution. “I keep emphasizing that I am very selective,” the coach said, according to OJogo. “There is no fixed starting XI. In contemporary football, 26 players can contribute… It would be erroneous to assume that I have a starting XI, only to discover in four or five days that other players are in better form.”

He continued: “I cannot restrict talent to just 11 players. That is a mistake I refuse to make.”

Ronaldo, now 41 years old, has continued to attract debate about his suitability as a starter at the highest level. The Al Nassr forward remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most decorated players in football history, but questions about his physical decline have grown louder in recent years. His display against Nigeria did little to quiet those concerns.

Despite Martinez’s measured language, sources suggest the veteran forward is still expected to start Portugal’s World Cup opener against DR Congo on June 17. The coach’s comments appear designed to maintain competitive tension within the squad rather than signal any imminent change to Ronaldo’s status.

Portugal enter the 2026 World Cup as one of Europe’s stronger contenders, with a squad that blends experienced figures alongside emerging talent such as Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceiçao, who was instrumental in Wednesday’s win. The generational question — how long to rely on Ronaldo versus trusting that younger core — has followed the national team for several cycles.

For Nigeria, the result ended an unbeaten run of 12 matches and came just days before a tournament the Super Eagles are absent from, having failed to qualify for the 2026 edition. The friendly served as both a preparation exercise for Portugal and a final competitive outing for a Nigerian side that will be watching the World Cup from the sidelines.

Portugal are scheduled to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17, with Martinez expected to name his starting lineup in the days prior to the fixture.