Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal in the opening match of what will likely be his fifth and final World Cup campaign, against Ghana on Thursday.
All-time men’s record international goalscorer Ronaldo lines up in his usual centre-forward position for the Group H clash, two days after he parted ways with Manchester United by mutual consent on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, 37, had spoken in a controversial interview last week, when he lashed out at Man United coach Erik ten Hag and the club itself, provoking his eventual departure.
The veteran striker will be supported by a stellar group of players led by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix.
Ghana are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup and will be relying on Inaki Williams for goals.
The forward was capped once by Spain in a friendly in 2016 but changed nationality earlier this year and leads the line for the Black Stars.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey starts and Ghana’s hopes could hinge on his performance in midfield.
World Cup News
-
Football
/ 1 week agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
Football
/ 2 weeks agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP -
Football
/ 2 weeks agoSaudi Arabia formally launches bid for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia formally launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup on Friday,...
By AFP -
Football
/ 1 month agoNew York to host 2026 World Cup final
The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New...
By AFP