Cristiano Ronaldo Makes FIFA World Cup History as Oldest Outfield Starter at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a FIFA World Cup match. However, the historic achievement was overshadowed by Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture.

Ronaldo Sets New World Cup Longevity Record

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into football history on Wednesday, becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup match. At 41 years and 132 days old, the veteran forward surpassed the previous record held by Canada's Atiba Hutchinson, who started against Croatia at the 2022 World Cup aged 39 years and 296 days, according to FotMob.

The appearance also saw Ronaldo join an exclusive club. He became only the second men's player to feature in six FIFA World Cups, matching the achievement of Argentina star Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo's World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006 and has continued through South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and now the 2026 tournament in North America, underlining a remarkable international career spanning two decades.

Frustrating Night for Portugal Captain

Despite the record-breaking appearance, Ronaldo endured a difficult evening against DR Congo.

The Portuguese forward managed just 25 touches throughout the match and failed to register a shot on target from his three attempts. He also won only one duel as DR Congo's defence successfully neutralised Portugal's all-time leading scorer, according to ESPN FC's X handle.

It was the second-lowest touch count of Ronaldo's World Cup career when starting a match, reflecting his limited influence in Portugal's attacking play.

The result also extended an unwanted personal streak, with Ronaldo now having gone 10 consecutive matches without scoring in major international tournaments.

DR Congo Earn Historic Point After Wissa Equaliser

Portugal began brightly and took the lead after only six minutes. Pedro Neto delivered an accurate cross into the box, where João Neves rose to head home his fourth international goal.

However, Roberto Martinez's side gradually lost control of the contest. While Portugal dominated possession, they struggled to create meaningful opportunities, allowing DR Congo to remain dangerous on the counterattack.

The African side found their reward in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa drifted into space and headed in Arthur Masuaku's cross to level the score.

Portugal thought they had restored their advantage early in the second half through an acrobatic finish from João Cancelo, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

DR Congo nearly went ahead when Cedric Bakambu powered past Bruno Fernandes before striking the post, exposing vulnerabilities in Portugal's defence.

Late substitute Francisco Conceição injected energy into Portugal's attack and created opportunities for Ronaldo, but the veteran striker was unable to find the decisive breakthrough.

Despite sustained late pressure, Portugal could not secure a winner as DR Congo held firm to earn a memorable point in their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974.

(With inputs from ANI)