Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Latest news on Portugal lineup for 2026 World Cup game vs. Colombia

Portugal returns to the pitch on Saturday night for a Group K decider with Colombia, with top spot in the group on the line at the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal's team is, of course, headlined by star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who responded to a slow start in style. After the Selecao were held to a shock 1-1 draw by DR Congo, the 41-year-old captain struck twice against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 rout, becoming the first man ever to score at six different World Cup tournaments.

That win has all but secured Portugal's place in the Round of 32, but it has not settled the group. Colombia sit top of Group K after winning both of their opening games, meaning Portugal must beat them on Saturday to finish first. Any other result, and Colombia take top spot.

Portugal will fancy their chances against a dangerous Colombia side, with first place, and a potentially kinder knockout route, up for grabs. How Roberto Martinez uses Ronaldo in this match could shape the rest of Portugal's tournament.

Here's a look at Portugal's plan for Ronaldo on Saturday.

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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today?

Ronaldo is set to start against Colombia, leading the line for Portugal in a Group K decider. With top spot at stake, there is no indication that Martinez plans to rest his captain, and the veteran is expected to keep his place at centre-forward.

The match will mark Ronaldo's 25th appearance in his World Cup career and his 23rd start on the game's biggest stage. He started each of his first 20 World Cup appearances before coming off the bench twice at the 2022 tournament, and has started every Portugal game so far this summer.

Portugal lineup vs. Colombia

Ronaldo will start at centre-forward for Portugal against Colombia as the team chases top spot in Group K. Portugal is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Portugal XI (4-2-3-1): 1. D. Costa (GK) — 20. Joao Cancelo, 3. Ruben Dias, 13. Renato Veiga, 19. Nuno Mendes — 15. Joao Neves, 23. Vitinha — 10. Bernardo Silva, 8. Bruno Fernandes, 17. Rafael Leao — 7. Cristiano Ronaldo

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When is Cristiano Ronaldo's next World Cup match?

Ronaldo and Portugal face Colombia on Saturday, June 27 in their final Group K match of the tournament, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Portugal will then advance to the Round of 32, where they begin their knockout campaign in early July against an opponent to be determined by other results. A win over Colombia would secure top spot in the group and, potentially, a more favorable path through the bracket.

Portugal 2026 World Cup schedule