Cristiano Ronaldo Update: Will The Portuguese Captain Feature In Today's Match Against Colombia?

Portugal will play its last group stage game against Colombia to decide who will climb to the top spot in Group K of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Portugal's squad is spearheaded by legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who bounced back emphatically after a quiet start to the tournament.

Following Portugal's surprising 1-1 draw against DR Congo, the 41-year-old captain scored a brace in a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions. That win also put their World Cup campaign on track, which was rocked by the low-block defensive work-rate of DR Congo.

However, things took a complete U-turn when Roberto Martinez's side faced Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbek side, who are making their World Cup debut. The former European Champions smashed the inexperienced Uzbekistan side. Ronaldo, in particular, had a sublime game with a rating of above 9 and an xG of 1.60 with the highest touches in the opposition box- 10.

Naturally, fans are eagerly waiting to find out whether Cristiano Ronaldo will start Portugal's final group-stage game.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Against Colombia?

According to available reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start against Colombia and lead the Portuguese attack once again in the final Group K match. Both teams will go for the top spot, which will see them on the other side of the knockout bracket.

Interestingly, the match will mark Ronaldo's 25th appearance in his World Cup career and 23rd start on the game's biggest stage. He started each of his first 20 World Cup appearances before coming off the bench twice at the 2022 tournament, and has started every Portugal game so far this summer.

How Will Portugal Lineup Against Nestor Lorenzo's Colombia?

Ronaldo will start at centre-forward for Portugal against Colombia as the team chases top spot in Group K. Portugal is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): 1. D. Costa (GK) - 20. Joao Cancelo, 3. Ruben Dias, 13. Renato Veiga, 19. Nuno Mendes - 15. Joao Neves, 23. Vitinha - 10. Bernardo Silva, 8. Bruno Fernandes, 17. Rafael Leao - 7. Cristiano Ronaldo