Cristiano Ronaldo Under Fire Ahead of Uzbekistan Clash as Stewart Robson Urges Portugal to Bench Him

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has come under renewed scrutiny after a disappointing performance in Portugal’s opening Group K fixture against DR Congo. The Portuguese captain, appearing in his record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup, failed to score as Portugal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw despite dominating large periods of the contest.

As Portugal prepare for a must-win clash against uzbekistan in Houston, debate continues to grow over whether Ronaldo should retain his place in the starting XI.

Stewart Robson Questions Ronaldo’s Starting Role

Former Arsenal midfielder and football analyst Stewart Robson has become the latest prominent voice to weigh in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role within the Portugal squad. Speaking on ESPN FC, Robson suggested that manager Roberto Martinez should seriously consider alternative attacking options.

“I don’t think he should start and I wouldn’t have started him at the beginning of the tournament either,” Robson said.

The comments have sparked significant discussion among football fans and pundits, particularly given Ronaldo’s legendary status and influence within the Portuguese national team.

Robson’s criticism follows Portugal’s underwhelming performance against DR Congo, where Ronaldo missed several opportunities and struggled to make a decisive impact in front of goal.

Pressure Mounting on Portugal Ahead of Uzbekistan Clash

Portugal entered FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the tournament favorites, boasting a talented squad filled with world-class players. However, their opening draw has raised concerns about the team’s attacking efficiency and overall balance.

While several of football’s biggest stars have already made headlines at the tournament, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, Ronaldo is still searching for his first goal of the competition.

The 41-year-old forward remains one of the most experienced players in international football, but questions regarding his mobility and effectiveness at the highest level have intensified following the opening match.

Roberto Martinez Faces a Difficult Decision

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez now finds himself facing one of the biggest selection calls of the tournament. Dropping a player of Ronaldo’s stature would undoubtedly attract global attention, but Martinez must also consider what gives Portugal the best chance of securing three points against Uzbekistan.

Despite recent criticism, Ronaldo continues to command enormous respect within the squad and remains a key leader both on and off the pitch. His experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable as Portugal attempt to bounce back from their disappointing start.

At the same time, Martinez has several talented attacking alternatives available and may be tempted to adjust his lineup in search of greater attacking fluidity.

Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Under the Spotlight

With FIFA World Cup 2026 widely expected to be Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage, every performance is being analyzed more closely than ever. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus superstar remains one of the most iconic figures in sporting history, ensuring that any discussion surrounding his future generates worldwide attention.

The upcoming clash against Uzbekistan now carries added significance for both Portugal and their captain. A strong display could quickly silence critics and restore confidence within the squad, while another disappointing result may intensify calls for tactical changes.

Whether Ronaldo starts or begins on the bench, his role will remain one of the biggest storylines as Portugal continue their quest for FIFA World Cup 2026 glory.