Portugal's Francisco Conceição: No Obligation to Pass to Ronaldo Portugal's Francisco Conceição dismissed suggestions that his team feels pressured to constantly involve Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that there is no obligation or necessity to pass the ball to the veteran forward. Speaking after Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Congo DR in their opening match, Conceição emphasized that the team operates on instinct and that Ronaldo, while an exceptional player, is part of the collective effort rather than a singular focus. “Cristiano is an example because of the hunger he shows every day, as if it were his last session,” Conceição said at a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of their next Group K clash against Uzbekistan. He highlighted Ronaldo’s dedication and leadership, noting that the forward’s drive to win remains undiminished despite his age. “He is here to help, just like any other player in the national team,” Conceição added, underscoring the team’s shared responsibility. The 23-year-old winger, who made his World Cup debut in the draw against Congo DR, also reflected on the legacy of his father, Sérgio Conceição, who represented Portugal in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. “Cristiano’s career and his hunger to win every day are an example for me and the new generation,” he said. “If he has already achieved so much and continues with that hunger, then the hunger we must have to achieve a bit of what he achieved has to be even greater.” Conceição, who joined Juventus from FC Porto in a £27.5 million transfer last summer, acknowledged the pressure of performing at the World Cup. “All of us are used to pressure. We play in big clubs and know that criticism will always exist,” he said.#cristiano_ronaldo #portugal #roberto_martinez #group_k #francisco_conceicao
DR Congo Calls for Peace After World Cup Qualification DR Congo secured the final African spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 extra-time victory over JamaicaFecofa in the intercontinental play-offs. The Leopards’ triumph, achieved at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, marks their return to the global tournament after a 52-year absence. The decisive goal came from Axel Tuanzebe, whose extra-time strike secured the qualification and will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the nation. This achievement, the first World Cup qualification since 1974, has sparked calls for unity and peace in a country plagued by conflict in the eastern regions. Cedric Bakambu, the DR Congo national team striker, has urged the nation to leverage the qualification as a catalyst for reconciliation. In a social media post, Bakambu emphasized the importance of using the World Cup as a platform to amplify the country’s voice on the global stage. “Together, let’s make Congo’s voice heard,” he wrote, while also highlighting the suffering endured by civilians in the East. He framed the team’s efforts on the field as a tribute to those affected by the ongoing war, stating that every step toward the tournament represents hope for the Congolese people. Bakambu’s message underscores the intersection of sports and politics, positioning the World Cup qualification as a symbol of collective resilience. The qualification also marks the beginning of a new era for DR Congo’s football infrastructure. Bakambu called for investment in modernizing sporting facilities, supporting youth development, and expanding football’s reach across the country. His vision aligns with broader aspirations to transform the nation’s approach to sports, viewing it as a unifying force capable of fostering national pride and stability.#world_cup_2026 #dr_congo #cedric_bakambu #axel_tuanzebe #group_k
