Portuguese defender Ruben Dias stated that responsibility for the team’s opening draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers does not fall solely on captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Dias emphasized the importance of collective accountability within the team, rejecting the notion of singling out any one player for the result. He affirmed that the Portuguese squad remains united despite the disappointing start to their qualifying campaign. The defender’s comments aim to deflect pressure from Ronaldo and highlight the team’s shared commitment to success. Dias, as a key player and leader, sought to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose moving forward. This statement comes after criticism directed towards Ronaldo following the unexpected draw. The team will need to regroup and perform better in upcoming matches to secure qualification.