Should Portugal bench Cristiano Ronaldo for Spain World Cup game?

On paper, there’s no way you can bench THE Cristiano Ronaldo, right? We’re talking about one of the all-time greats, a generational player who has done pretty much all you can do in a soccer career… except win a World Cup.

But this is not the same Ronaldo we have seen absolutely dominate over the years. And while he shrugged off the questions about how he looked in Portugal‘s first 2026 World Cup game against Colombia — he scored twice against Uzbekistan — it’s fair to wonder if the 41-year-old should start against Spain.

I’m not saying to bench him entirely. That feels egregious — it is, after all, his final World Cup — and a move that might affect team chemistry in a win-or-go-home situation for Portugal against Spain. But how about bringing him on later for some fresh legs?

I’m not the only one asking about the man with the long sleeves. You’ve got the BBC wondering the same thing, with some notable stats:

In six World Cups, he has yet to score from 30 non-penalty shots in knockout matches. His only goal came from the spot against Croatia in Portugal’s last match. …

[In 2026] he has had 15 shots so far, which is almost twice as many as any of his team-mates, though he has yet to create a chance. It is the highest number of shots of any player yet to create a chance at this World Cup.

In six World Cups, he has yet to score from 30 non-penalty shots in knockout matches. His only goal came from the spot against Croatia in Portugal’s last match. …

[In 2026] he has had 15 shots so far, which is almost twice as many as any of his team-mates, though he has yet to create a chance. It is the highest number of shots of any player yet to create a chance at this World Cup.

I highly doubt he’ll start from the bench. But if he doesn’t look like a game-changer against Spain and Portugal might need a boost? It might not be a surprise to see him come off the field at some point.