Ronaldo leads World Cup 2026 ‘disappointments XI’ after Portugal’s early exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the headline inclusion in a World Cup 2026 “disappointments XI”, with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez picked to lead the underperforming line-up after an early elimination in the last 16.

The selection, compiled by Bleacher Report, highlights players judged to have fallen short of pre-tournament expectations at the finals. While several stars impressed across the competition, the outlet focused on those whose performances were seen as below the standard anticipated.

Martinez, who took charge of Portugal at the tournament, was chosen as coach of the side after his team’s campaign ended in the first knockout round. Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by Spain, who went on to win the World Cup.

Bleacher Report’s team is presented as a composite XI of the most disappointing performers, with Ronaldo its most high-profile figure. The 41-year-old forward arrived at the tournament under intense scrutiny, carrying both the weight of his own reputation and hopes that he could inspire Portugal to a deep run.

Instead, the European side’s early departure, combined with Ronaldo’s inability to influence the latter stages of the competition, saw him installed as the focal point of the line-up of underachievers.

Martinez’s inclusion as coach of the XI reflects the sense that Portugal had the talent to progress further. Despite a squad packed with established internationals, the side failed to advance beyond the last 16, falling to a Spain team that maintained its form all the way to the title.

By contrast, the World Cup featured a number of standout individual displays and breakout stars, underlining the level of disappointment around those selected by Bleacher Report. The “disappointments XI” serves as a counterpoint to the traditional team-of-the-tournament selections that reward the competition’s best performers.

Spain’s eventual triumph adds another layer to Portugal’s exit, with Martinez’s men beaten by the side that ultimately lifted the trophy. That context heightened criticism of how Portugal’s campaign unravelled and contributed to both the coach and his captain being placed at the centre of Bleacher Report’s negative selection.

The line-up is framed not as a definitive judgment on the careers of those named, but as a reflection of how much more had been expected from them in this specific World Cup. Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s presence, alongside Martinez on the touchline, underlines the extent to which Portugal’s 2026 campaign is being viewed as a major missed opportunity.