Bruno Fernandes is facing criticism after Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener on June 2026.
The Manchester United skipper appeared frustrated with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo during the match.
What happened?
Portugal took the lead via Joao Neves on six minutes, but DR Congo equalized with their first ever World Cup goal courtesy of Yoane Wissa.
Fernandes' ex-Old Trafford colleague Ronaldo missed a golden chance in the second half.
Why it matters for Bruno Fernandes
The draw has led to plenty of criticism from fans, with one Instagram user writing that Fernandes "disappears from the game" when Portugal needs a leader.
Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro liked the post, which also questioned Fernandes' decisiveness in big moments.
Fernandes couldn't hide his frustration at Ronaldo during the match, according to reports.
What comes next?
Portugal's next fixture is crucial, and Fernandes will be under pressure to perform and lead his team to victory.
The 2026 World Cup is still in its early stages, but Portugal's chances of progressing depend on their upcoming matches.
And with the criticism mounting, Fernandes must step up and prove his worth as a leader and a key player for Portugal.
But for now, the focus is on the team's performance and how they can improve.
So the question remains, can Fernandes and Portugal bounce back from this disappointing draw?
The answer will be clear in their next match, as they look to regain their momentum and make a statement in the 2026 World Cup.