Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign began with a concerning 0-0 draw against Congo. The match raised questions about Portugal’s performance and ability to dominate, failing to secure a victory against their opponents. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut in this qualifying round was unusually subdued, lacking his typical offensive impact. He remained largely uninvolved in key attacking plays, a departure from his usual prominent role. Analysts are examining his limited presence on the field, with heatmaps illustrating a less active performance than expected. The draw places pressure on Portugal to perform strongly in upcoming qualifiers to secure their place in the tournament. This result casts a shadow over initial expectations for the team and its star player.