Some players walk onto a World Cup pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo arrives like the main event. Tonight in Houston, Portugal begin their 2026 campaign against DR Congo - and once again, the story starts with their captain.
The setting is NRG Stadium, the stage is Group K, and the occasion is opening night for both nations. Portugal come in as one of the tournament's heavyweights; DR Congo come in carrying history, back at the World Cup for the first time since they appeared as Zaire in 1974 - a 52-year wait finally over for the Leopards.
At the centre of it all stands Ronaldo. At 41, he remains Portugal's figurehead and captain, and the most prolific goalscorer in the history of men's international football. In Qatar four years ago he became the first male player to score at five different World Cups - 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. A goal in Houston would stretch a record that already belongs to him alone across six tournaments.
But Portugal are far more than one man, and they know it. Around their talisman is a generation of pace, power and Champions League pedigree - the kind of supporting cast that can punish any side that switches off, even for a second.
DR Congo will not be there to admire them. Returning to the biggest stage after half a century, the Leopards have nothing to lose and a nation roaring behind them. Compact, physical and dangerous on the break, they are exactly the type of opponent that can make a glamorous favourite sweat on opening night.
Portugal want the perfect start. DR Congo want the result that announces their return. And Ronaldo, as ever, wants the headline. Under the lights at NRG Stadium, Group K gets going - and the man who has scored everywhere is ready to do it again.