Cristiano Ronaldo will arrive at Copa from Mundo 2026 with a peculiar record: 8 goals scored in group stages, but none against CONMEBOL teams. Portugal will face Colômbia in the last round of the group stage, in Miami, and CR7 will try to end its historic streak against teams from the South American continent.
Histórico of CR7 in Copas of Mundo
The Portuguese striker has participated in 5 editions of Copa of Mundo since his debut in 2006, at Alemanha. Seus 8 goals were scored against teams from other confederations: Irã, Coreia from Norte, Gana and Marrocos. Contra to Espanha, Ronaldo scored 3 goals in the opening match of Rússia 2018. UEFA’s Seleções, África, Ásia and Oriente Médio suffered from their offensive capabilities throughout the previous editions.
Desempenho limited against Hemisfério Sul
In 3 clashes against CONMEBOL teams in Copas of Mundo, Cristiano Ronaldo did not find the net. Ele lost to Uruguai in Rússia 2018, beat the same team in the 2022 group stage and drew with Brasil in África in Sul 2010. Esses numbers contrast with his performances in friendlies, where he scored against Argentina, Equador and Paraguai.
Grupo from Portugal and next steps
Portugal is in Grupo E along with Congo, Uzbequistão and Colômbia. The campaign starts against Congo, continues with Uzbequistão and ends with the Colombians. Garantir first place in the group is a priority, as it avoids early eliminations against opponents like Inglaterra or Croácia in the later stages.
Expectativa from technician Roberto Martínez
Portugal’s coach reinforced the importance of Cristiano Ronaldo not only as an icon of world football, but as captain of the national team. “There are two players when we talk about Cristiano. The icon of world football, who all the fans have an opinion on, and then there is our captain. Ele has the same demands as the other players,” declared Martínez in recent weeks.
Dados statistics of CR7 in Copas of Mundo
- Total of goals in Copas of Mundo: 8
- Gols vs CONMEBOL at Copas: 0
- Participações to Copas from Mundo: 5
- Confrontos against South American teams: 3 matches (0 goals)
- Próximo CONMEBOL opponent: Colômbia, in Miami