Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Colombia today? Portugal captain’s latest injury update

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 crucial Group K final against Colombia as the two nations prepare to meet for the first time in senior international football. With top spot in the group still undecided, Portugal captain Ronaldo and Colombia playmaker James Rodríguez were expected to headline one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.Colombia enter the competition with six points after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured their place in the round of 32. Portugal, meanwhile, are on four points after a draw with DR Congo and a commanding victory over Uzbekistan. Roberto Martínez’s side need to win in Miami to overtake Colombia and finish as Group K winners, while a draw or a Colombian win would ensure Los Cafeteros stay top of the table.

Ronaldo is ready to lead Portugal again

There is no doubt about Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability.Portugal manager Roberto Martínez has confirmed that 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit and named in the starting XI against Colombia. Ronaldo was also seen arriving at the Miami Stadium before kick-off, clearly showing his readiness to lead the side.Ronaldo goes into the match in excellent form after bouncing back from criticism following Portugal’s disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo.The veteran, who failed to score in the opener, responded emphatically with braces in the first half in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. This performance not only helped Portugal to qualify for the knockout stages but also made Ronaldo the first player in football history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.The win also marked his first major tournament goal from open play since UEFA Euro 2020, while his emotional “I’m back” celebration reflected his response to suggestions from critics that he should retire or be dropped from the starting line-up.Ronaldo also went the full 90 minutes against Uzbekistan with no signs of physical fatigue, boosting Martínez’s confidence that his captain is ready for another tough task.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 campaign before returning to the starting line-up in each of Portugal’s matches at the tournament.

James Rodríguez continues to manage Colombia

Portugal’s biggest challenge is expected to be 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 victories, playing 72 minutes in a 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 create Colombia’s advantage.James has dictated Colombia’s attacking rhythm 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 beating DR Congo courtesy of Daniel Muñoz’s 75th-minute winner, results that ensured qualification ahead of the final round of group matches.

The first meeting carries major elimination consequences

Although Portugal and Colombia are established names in international football, tonight marks the first senior international meeting between the two countries.The event generated huge interest, with reports indicating that more than five million ticket requests had been made for the match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.The stakes go far beyond simple qualification.Portugal know that only a win will be enough to leapfrog Colombia into first place and potentially earn a more favorable draw in the round of 32. Any other result leaves Colombia as Group K winners after an excellent group stage campaign.For Roberto Martínez, the selection of Ronaldo underlines the importance Portugal place on winning the group rather than simply progressing.With Ronaldo arriving confident after another record-breaking performance and James Rodríguez continuing to direct Colombia’s attack with his usual composure, the two countries’ first-ever meeting at the tournament promises to be one of the highlights of the final round of group stage matches.