Portugal head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 after securing a 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria, though striker Cristiano Ronaldo will be left reflecting on missed opportunities.
The 41-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward was unable to increase his record tally of 143 international goals, despite finding himself in promising positions with only the goalkeeper to beat in both halves of Wednesday’s encounter in Leiria.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remained on the pitch until the 65th minute, staying longer than any other outfield player in Portugal’s starting lineup.
Ronaldo is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, matching the all-time appearance record.
Francisco Conceicao, who was among the 11 substitutes introduced by Portugal, netted the decisive goal in the 75th minute after cutting inside from the right flank and bending his effort into the far corner.
Ronaldo vs Nigeria🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/pyAjImvgdA
— a.wuah_ (@dizzy10_) June 10, 2026
Pedro Neto opened the scoring for Portugal in the 23rd minute before Akor Adams levelled matters 14 minutes later for Nigeria, who did not qualify for the World Cup.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez made eight halftime substitutions as he looked to spread playing opportunities across his squad.
Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Duele decirlo, pero Cristiano Ronaldo esta acabado futbolisticamente hablando. pic.twitter.com/px5uYskIWt
— Kuke (@_Kuke_) June 10, 2026
Their World Cup journey begins next Wednesday against the DRC in Houston, Texas, in the United States. The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT).
The success in Leiria came after another 2-1 friendly triumph, this time against Chile.
Nigeria will now shift their focus to securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles opted to rest their two biggest stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, after demanding club campaigns.
Meanwhile, as the tournament gets underway, co-hosts Mexico will take on South Africa in a rematch of the opening fixture from the 2010 World Cup.
