Will Cristiano Ronaldo play today against Colombia? The latest injury update on the Portugal Captain | Football news

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts during the World Cup Group K soccer match between Portugal and Uzbekistan in Houston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start for Portugal in their decisive Group K final against Colombia as the two nations prepare to meet for the first time in senior men’s international football. With the top spot in the group still undecided, Portugal captain Ronaldo and Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez are expected to headline one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.Colombia enter the competition on six points after winning their opening two games and have already secured a place in the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Portugal sit on four points after a draw with DR Congo and a commanding win over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side must win in Miami to overtake Colombia and finish as winners of Group K, while a draw or a Colombian win will see Los Cafeteros keep top of the table.

Ronaldo is ready to lead Portugal once again

There is no doubt about the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo.Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and named in the starting eleven to face Colombia. Ronaldo was also seen arriving at the Miami Stadium before kick-off, a strong indication of his readiness to lead the side.Ronaldo enters the match in excellent form after taking a hit from critics following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.After failing to score in the opening game, the veteran responded emphatically with a first-half brace in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. The performance not only helped Portugal secure qualification for the knockout rounds but also saw Ronaldo become the first player in football history to score in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.The win also marked his first major tournament goal since UEFA Euro 2020’s opening game, while his emotional “I’m back” celebration reflected his response to critics’ suggestions that he should retire or be dropped from the starting line-up.Ronaldo also completed the full 90 minutes against Uzbekistan without any signs of physical fatigue, boosting Martínez’s confidence that his captain is ready for another demanding assignment.Saturday’s match will be Ronaldo’s 25th World Cup appearance and his 23rd start at football’s biggest tournament. After starting each of his first 20 World Cup matches, he came off the bench twice during the 2022 edition before returning to the starting line-up in each of Portugal’s matches at this tournament.

Portugal’s biggest challenge is expected to come from Colombia captain James Rodríguez, who has been the creative heart of Néstor Lorenzo’s side throughout the group stage.The experienced midfielder started both of Colombia’s wins, playing 72 minutes during the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before completing 58 minutes against DR Congo in a controlled 1-0 win, where he was withdrawn after helping to set up Colombia’s lead.James has dictated Colombia’s attacking pace throughout the tournament and is again expected to start as the South Americans chase a third straight win.Colombia opened their campaign with an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan before defeating DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz’s 75th-minute winner, results that secured qualification ahead of the final round of group matches.

The first meeting carries major knockout implications

Although Portugal and Colombia are two established names in international football, tonight marks the first senior men’s international meeting between the two countries.The occasion has generated enormous interest, with reports suggesting that more than five million ticket requests have been submitted for the match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.Action extends far beyond mere qualification.Portugal know that just victory will be enough to leapfrog Colombia into first place and possibly earn a more favorable round of 32 draw. Any other result leaves Colombia as Group K winners after an outstanding campaign in the group stage.For Roberto Martínez, the selection of Ronaldo highlights the importance that Portugal places on winning the group rather than just progressing.With Ronaldo coming into confidence after another record performance and James Rodríguez continuing to make Colombia’s attack with his usual composition, the first meeting of the tournament between the two nations promises to be one of the most important games of the last round of group matches.