At 41, Ronaldo is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance, joining an exclusive group of players to have featured in six editions of football\u2019s biggest tournament. The Portugal captain enters the competition with another piece of history within reach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ronaldo is the only men\u2019s footballer to have scored in five different FIFA World Cup tournaments \u2014 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. A goal against Congo DR would make him the first player in history to score in six separate World Cup editions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite an extraordinary international career, the World Cup title remains missing from Ronaldo\u2019s collection. He has scored eight goals across five World Cups but is yet to find the net in a knockout-stage match. His most recent World Cup goal came from the penalty spot against Ghana in Qatar 2022, while he finished UEFA Euro 2024 without scoring.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The clash in Houston presents two contrasting narratives \u2014 Ronaldo\u2019s final pursuit of World Cup glory and Congo DR\u2019s return to the tournament after a 52-year absence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Portugal arrive in the United States as reigning UEFA Nations League champions and are among the dark horses for the title, boasting a squad packed with talent including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and several emerging stars alongside their veteran captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Congo DR, the tournament marks only their second World Cup appearance. Their first and only previous participation came in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. They secured qualification for the expanded 2026 tournament through the inter-confederation playoffs, edging Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The African side will look to experienced forwards C\u00e9dric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa to provide an attacking spark against one of Europe\u2019s strongest teams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Congo DR, the tournament marks only their second World Cup appearance. Their first and only previous participation came in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. They secured qualification for the expanded 2026 tournament through the inter-confederation playoffs, edging Jamaica 1-0 after extra time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With history on the line for Ronaldo and a long-awaited return for Congo DR, the Group K encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing opening fixtures of the tournament. The match will be broadcasted live on Zee5 app and United 8 sports channels in different languages.<\/p>\r\n\r\n