Cristiano Ronaldo breaks record as the oldest player in the starting line-up at a World Cup


Cristiano Ronaldo continues to add to his record list. The Portugal forward is in the starting line-up for the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, which marks his debut for the Portuguese team at the 2026 World Cup. This makes him the oldest player in the history of the World Cup to start from the first whistle. At 41 years and 132 days, the Portuguese star player adds another impressive achievement to his already legendary career. Trainer Roberto Martinez has once again given him the confidence and placed him in the 4-3-3 system of the Iberian selection, which confirms the captain's central role within the national team. In addition to Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Pedro Neto also play in attack, while Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceiçao surprisingly start on the bench. In defense, Araujo and Renato Veiga get the chance, while Ruben Dias is on the bench due to a previous physical complaint.

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