The Portuguese national team faced Norway on September 28, 2026, and Cristiano Ronaldo was left off the bench for the match. The reason behind this decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
ESPN reports that the coach explained that Ronaldo’s presence would not have been beneficial to the team’s performance. Sports Illustrated also mentioned that Ronaldo was urged by his teammates to step aside and accept a bench role, which could potentially help the team achieve its goal of advancing further in the 2026 World Cup.