Not a good start for the Portuguese national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 1-1 draw between Portugal and DR Congo has raised many questions regarding the performance of the team and of Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Most of the analysts believe that Ronaldo’s lack of mobility at the age of 41 is affecting Portugal’s attacking game.

However, a youngster in the team, Francisco Conceição, has supported Ronaldo and dismissed these allegations. According to him, no one feels obligated to give the ball to Ronaldo because everyone passes it to the most available player.

In an interview with reporters before the game against Uzbekistan, Conceição explained: "There is no need to pass the ball to Ronaldo under any circumstances. I pass the ball to whoever is in the right position and unmarked." This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about Portugal's performance and a continuing debate regarding Ronaldo's role.

Conceição also clarified that Ronaldo is not treated differently within the dressing room. According to him, the team's success relies on a collective effort. He said, "Cristiano is a member of the team. He is an example due to his career, his hunger, and his dedication to the sport, even at the age of 41. There is no one like him when it comes to scoring goals. He is here to help the team, just like the other players."

Pressure has mounted on Portugal after dropping points against DR Congo. The team now desperately needs a win against Uzbekistan to strengthen its position in Group K. Conceição admitted that the team was not satisfied with its performance. "No one felt worse about it than we did," Conceição said. "We realized ourselves that we hadn't done our job properly. It is natural for pressure and criticism to increase when results aren't good. Now, we want to demonstrate our quality and win the next match."

Portugal will face Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday. This match will be crucial for both Ronaldo and his team. Another poor result could not only complicate the path to the knockout stage but also intensify the ongoing debate surrounding Ronaldo. For now, the message from the Portuguese camp is clear: the team does not rely on any single player, yet Ronaldo's experience and leadership remain among its greatest strengths.