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The World Cup question Cristiano Ronaldo can no longer escape | Football News
For more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has built a career on proving people wrong.Every time critics questioned him, he responded with goals. Every time doubts surfaced about his longevity, he produced another record. From Manchester to Madrid, Turin to Riyadh, and throughout an extraordinary international career with Portugal, Ronaldo has repeatedly rewritten expectations.But after Portugal’s frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a debate that has lingered for years has returned with renewed intensity.At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain, leader, and biggest global attraction. The question now is whether he remains Portugal’s most effective weapon on the pitch.The contrast with other football icons during the opening round of matches was striking. Less than a day after Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all delivered multiple goals and helped their nations to convincing victories, Ronaldo completed the full 90 minutes against DR Congo without making a decisive impact.Portugal had started brilliantly. João Neves headed home an early opener after a dominant opening spell in which Roberto Martínez’s side controlled possession almost completely. Portugal’s dominance during the opening stages was overwhelming. In the six-minute sequence leading up to Neves’ goal, Martínez’s side completed 84 passes compared to just 12 by DR Congo. Yet what looked like the beginning of a comfortable victory gradually turned into a far more uncomfortable afternoon.DR Congo settled into the contest, grew in confidence and eventually found an equaliser through Yoane Wissa before half-time.
Portugal vs DR Congo match stats
By the final whistle, the statistics painted an uncomfortable picture for one of the tournament favourites. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Portugal were second best in several key attacking metrics. DR Congo finished with eight shots to Portugal’s seven, produced two efforts on target compared to Portugal’s one and generated 0.82 expected goals against Portugal’s 0.64. For a team expected to challenge deep into the tournament, the numbers raised uncomfortable questions.Ronaldo’s individual numbers reflected that struggle.Making his sixth World Cup appearance, the veteran striker finished with just 25 touches, the second-fewest he has ever recorded in a World Cup start. He managed only three shot attempts, created no chances, completed two progressive carries and two progressive passes, won two aerial duels, attempted no ground duels and made just one ball recovery. He also offered virtually no defensive contribution. It was one of the least influential World Cup performances of his career.
Ronaldo’s World Cup legacy
Perhaps more concerning was how Portugal’s attack functioned around him.Ronaldo repeatedly drifted away from central areas in search of involvement. At times he moved into wide positions looking for space because he could no longer consistently gain physical advantages against younger defenders. The consequence was that Portugal often lacked a natural target inside the penalty area when crosses arrived.His first attempt on goal did not arrive until the 68th minute. Neither of his shots troubled the Congolese defence. Even two of Ronaldo’s three attempts illustrated a broader problem. Rather than threatening centrally inside the penalty area, he was frequently pushed into wider areas in search of space.Former Arsenal and France star Thierry Henry was among those who analysed Portugal’s attacking problems and pointed to a specific moment involving João Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes and Ronaldo.Speaking after the match, Henry stressed that team success must come before personal ambition.“One thing that’s important, people, please at home: the team needs to score, not you need to score,” he said.Henry then broke down a sequence in which he felt Ronaldo’s movement worked against Portugal rather than for them.“So, obviously, we’re going to see here Portugal being on the ball, Cancelo is going to receive the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in this situation multiple times. If you make that run here, you – you make the defender take a decision to crash the six-yard box.”According to Henry, a run towards goal would have dragged defenders deeper and potentially created space for Bruno Fernandes to finish.“But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of Bruno Fernandes. If he goes into that six-yard box, you’ve been in that situation, I’ll see – you would have had to follow him, follow him, and then he would have been a tap-in for Bruno Fernandes. But because he wants to score, he goes into the path of the back pass. You see both players, and it’s easier for you to defend.”The concern was not simply that Ronaldo failed to score. It was how little he influenced Portugal’s attacking rhythm. Too often, attacks appeared designed to find him regardless of whether a better option existed. When he drifted deeper, he frequently occupied spaces that could otherwise have been used by Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva or João Neves. While his movement occasionally created room for teammates, Portugal rarely looked fluid in the final third.The issue becomes even more pronounced because Ronaldo is no longer compensating for those tactical compromises with goals in football’s biggest tournaments.
The drought that won’t go away
Since converting a penalty against Ghana during the 2022 World Cup, he has now gone ten consecutive matches across World Cups and European Championships without finding the net. The drought has stretched beyond 800 minutes, and it has been nearly five years since his last open-play goal in either competition.The contrast with his overall record remains striking. Ronaldo scored in both the semi-final and final as Portugal lifted the UEFA Nations League last summer and continues to score regularly in club football and qualifying matches. Yet at the highest international level, the goals have become increasingly difficult to find.There is no questioning what Ronaldo has achieved for Portugal. His influence helped deliver major international trophies and countless memorable moments across two decades.Yet the reality of 2026 is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Portugal with vs without Ronaldo
The numbers surrounding Portugal’s attack are equally revealing. Across Portugal’s last four major tournament matches, Ronaldo has played 396 of a possible 420 minutes, yet the team has scored only once. Over the past two years in all competitions, Portugal have averaged 1.9 goals per game when Ronaldo starts compared to 2.8 goals per game when he does not. While one statistic alone does not tell the full story, it inevitably fuels the debate over whether Portugal’s attack functions more effectively without its captain.
When Ronaldo scores, Portugal rarely lose
Ronaldo’s supporters, however, can point to another compelling statistic. Since his first World Cup appearance in 2006, Portugal have a record of five wins, one draw and no defeats in major tournaments when Ronaldo scores. When he fails to find the net, that record drops to five wins, five draws and seven defeats. Few players in international football history have had such a direct correlation with their team’s success.Yet dropping him is far easier to discuss than to execute.Roberto Martínez faces a delicate balancing act. Gonçalo Ramos remains the obvious alternative but relies heavily on service. A false-nine system involving Bruno Fernandes or João Félix could provide greater fluidity but would introduce new tactical questions.There is also the psychological dimension. Few managers willingly bench one of the greatest footballers in history, particularly a player who still commands enormous respect within the dressing room.Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle.Ronaldo’s experience, leadership and finishing instincts remain valuable assets. However, asking him to carry Portugal’s attack for 90 minutes against elite opposition appears increasingly unrealistic. A more carefully managed role, potentially as an impact substitute against tiring defenders, could allow Portugal to benefit from his strengths while minimising his physical limitations.
From Germany 2006 to USA 2026
The concern for Portugal is that there appears to be no genuine Plan B. Martínez has consistently backed Ronaldo even as questions over his role have grown louder. During Euro 2024, the Portugal coach substituted him in only one of his five appearances. Against DR Congo, creative players including Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha were all withdrawn, yet Ronaldo remained on the pitch. Even when Gonçalo Ramos was introduced in the closing stages, it was a midfielder who made way rather than the captain.The upcoming match against Uzbekistan may now define both Portugal’s tournament and Ronaldo’s role within it.A strong performance and a goal could temporarily silence the debate, as Ronaldo has done countless times before. Another ineffective display, however, will only intensify scrutiny of Martínez’s decisions and Portugal’s dependence on a player who remains legendary but no longer appears untouchable.For years, the question surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo was whether Portugal could win because of him.In 2026, the more uncomfortable question may be whether Portugal can afford not to evolve beyond him.
Scotland were left stunned by what was the fastest goal of World Cup 2026 to that point as Morocco sprinted into the lead 70 seconds after kick-off.
Ismael Saibari leathered past Angus Gunn to open the scoring during in lightning-quick fashion, with Grant Hanley mistiming his step up to allow the forward to run clean through and fire home.
It was the earliest a player has scored in a World Cup match since Alphonso Davies struck in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he netted Canada’s first ever World Cup goal against Croatia inside 68 seconds.
Saibari claimed the accolade of quickest goal of this summer’s tournament but held it for only a couple of hours, with Paraguay’s Matias Galarza drilling home in 64 seconds to break his record. However, both are actually quite a way off the all-time mark, not even breaking into the top 10.
Hakan Sukur boasts the fastest World Cup goal of all time at a blistering 11 seconds, with the Turkey hero-turned-political exile stunning hosts South Korea after stealing possession from kick-off.
England’s Bryan Robson scored in 28 seconds in 1982 while Clint Dempsey netted inside 30 seconds for the USA at Brazil 2014, two goals which are only enough for fourth and fifth in the rankings.
North Korea also have a name on the list, with Pak Seung-zin scoring in 50 seconds in 1966 to put them ahead in their quarter-final against Portugal. The Selecao would come back to win 5-3 in that game, with the honour of knocking them out going to eventual champions England in the next round.
More recently, Mathias Jorgensen scored for Denmark from an early long throw in 55 seconds against Croatia in their 2018 round of 16 match, a match the Danes also went on to lose. That is the 10th fastest time that a goal has been in World Cup history, meaning you have to at least break the minute mark to get in the rankings.
But in Saibari’s hopes of entering some sort of record book, he may be glad to hear that his strike was the earliest goal Scotland have ever conceded at a World Cup.
Saibari also scored a wonderful goal in Morocco’s opening draw with Brazil, again being set in behind before dinking Alisson Becker with a chip.
He is fast emerging as one of this summer’s breakout stars after an influential Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which saw Morocco lose a home final to Senegal before being awarded the title after the fact, with the Teranga Lions stripped of their crown after staging a controversial walk-off over a late VAR penalty decision.
The 25-year-old, who has spent his entire senior career so far at Eredivisie champions PSV, is heavily reported to be on the verge of a €55m move to Bayern Munich.
Ballarat trainer Mitch Freedman is in a quandary regarding the next career step for Tatakai Uta, weighing the merits of a Flemington straight race against targeting a less formidable contest.
Freedman is of the opinion that Tatakai Uta has the potential to develop into a city-class competitor but is apprehensive about pushing the three-year-old into metropolitan racing prematurely.
The gelding is scheduled to participate in the Rod Johnson Handicap (1100m) at Flemington this Saturday, but the potential involvement of Sydney contender Ice Kool is a factor occupying Freedman’s thoughts.
“The Sydney visitor looks exceptionally good and looks like it does a lot of things right, so it will be very hard to beat if it does come down here,” Freedman commented.
Tatakai Uta has had only three starts, finishing second in maiden races at Donald and Bendigo before recording his maiden win at the Swan Hill Carnival midway through the month.
Sent off as the $1.36 favourite, Tatakai Uta reportedly gave his supporters some nervous moments before ultimately winning, according to Freedman.
While the victory was timely, Freedman is keen to avoid compromising the horse’s development by taking him to the city too soon.
“He’s a horse that has plenty of upside, but he’s just doing a couple of things wrong still,” Freedman said.
“He was a short-priced favourite at Swan Hill and he did a few things wrong and probably gave punters a few nervous moments, but he’s shown us enough ability, and I think he will be a horse that gets to city level, but whether that’s now or later down the track.
“We’re a little bit hesitant while he’s learning whether he needs to take that step to town, so whether it’s now or whether we should be aiming for something softer, we shall see.
“Having said that, horses that are progressive in that three-year-old grade, you can really see them leap to a new level, but it’s a balancing act how much you raise the bar and how much that might destroy his confidence.
“It’s a little bit tricky.”
Consider the racing odds for this event with various sports betting platforms.
Paraguay’s Matias Galarza scripted history by scoring the fastest goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 during the Group D match against Turkiye on Saturday. It took just 65 seconds for Paraguay to take the lead in the match as Galarza scored from a sensational long-range effort. Earlier in the day, Morocco’s Ismael Saibari claimed the record when he scored after just 72 seconds during the match against Scotland. However, the record did not last long as Galarza capitalised on a fiery start by Paraguay and handed his team the lead in a must-win game for them.
JAJDUDKWNWWKSI GOLAZO DE GALARZA DE RIVER AL MUNDO GRACIAS DIOS
AHORA LE VAMOS A SACAR 5 PALOS pic.twitter.com/P1zQruooVX
— Carpeta Millo (@CarpetaMillo_) June 20, 2026
Earlier, Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil eased past Haiti 3-0 on Friday to breathe life into their FIFA World Cup campaign and close in on a spot in the last 32.
After a much-criticised display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, the five-time world champions underlined the gulf in class with outsiders Haiti, who became the first country to exit this World Cup.
Cunha’s scruffy goal in Philadelphia gave Brazil the lead midway through the first half, and he struck again as Carlo Ancelotti’s side asserted their dominance. Vinicius Junior added a third before the break.
Brazil play Scotland in their final Group C game in Miami on June 24.
Haiti’s first World Cup appearance since 1974 will end after they play Morocco in Atlanta.
The Selecao currently have the edge over Morocco for top spot on goal difference. If they finish first, they would face the Group F runners-up — likely to be the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden — in the next round.
Neymar did not travel with the squad as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, prompting Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva to joke he was “working remotely”.
As promised Ancelotti made changes after the insipid showing against Morocco, bringing United forward Cunha in for Brentford’s Igor Thiago and replacing Roger Ibanez with Danilo at right-back.
Despite a US government ban which has prevented fans travelling from Haiti, the Caribbean nation received loud support from the sizeable Haitian diaspora, which filled roughly half of the 68,324 crowd.
Aggrieved at not coming away with a point from their 1-0 loss to Scotland last week, Haiti coach Sebastien Migne urged his players to embrace the opportunity to play Brazil at a World Cup.
With 77 places separating the nations in the FIFA rankings, Brazil quickly took control and thought they had scored when Raphinha fired home, only for the Barcelona winger to be flagged offside.
It was a sign of what was to come though and Brazil broke the deadlock on 23 minutes.
Cunha sparked the move by winning possession in midfield and, after Vinicius’s shot was parried, he reacted quickest to block Hannes Delcroix‘s clearance to send the ball trickling into the net.
Vinicius and Cunha combined again to double the lead, the former slipping his team-mate in behind the Haiti defence to blast in a powerful left-footed shot as he fell to the ground.
Brazil lost Raphinha to injury but scored a third before half-time as Vinicius ran onto Lucas Paqueta‘s floated pass and steered through the legs of Johny Placide.
Haiti almost bagged their first World Cup goal in 52 years when Ricardo Ade’s glancing header at a corner forced Alisson Becker into a sharp stop, but it was a rare moment of hope.
The introduction of 19-year-old Endrick as Ancelotti turned to his bench triggered huge cheers from Brazil supporters, who nearly had another goal to celebrate when substitute Gabriel Martinelli rattled the crossbar.
Haiti refused to go down without a fight as Alisson made two late saves to preserve Brazil’s first clean sheet in seven outings, turning the page on an underwhelming start to the competition.
(With AFP inputs)
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MIAMI — Canadian Owen Caissie was a triple shy of the cycle and hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly as the Miami Marlins beat the San Francisco Giants 4-3 on Friday night.
Javier Sanoja had two hits and scored twice for the Marlins, who are a major league-best 12-4 in June.
Giants reliever Sam Hentges (1-2) hit Esteury Ruiz with a pitch leading off the seventh inning. Sanoja singled and Liam Hicks followed with a tying single that advanced Sanoja to third. He scored on Caissie’s flyball to deep left field.
Cade Gibson (1-0) retired all four batters he faced for the win. Calvin Faucher relieved Gibson and got the last two outs in the eighth before Pete Fairbanks closed with a perfect ninth for his 10th save this season and the 100th of his career.
The Marlins used eight pitchers in a bullpen game.
Rafael Devers’ homer for the Giants against Michael Petersen leading off the sixth tied it 2-all. Jung Hoo Lee followed with a double and scored on Casey Schmitt’s go-ahead single.
Caissie’s run-scoring double in the fifth put Miami ahead 2-1.
San Francisco starter Landen Roupp allowed two runs and seven hits over six innings and 98 pitches. Roupp, who struck out seven, is winless in eight outings since April 26, when he completed 7 2/3 innings in a 6-3 home victory against the Marlins.
Caissie gave Miami an early lead with his solo homer in the first. He drove a cutter from Roupp over the wall in center for his eighth homer.
The Giants tied it in the second on Daniel Susac’s sacrifice fly. Marlins opener Lake Bachar allowed consecutive singles to Willy Adames, Schmitt and Drew Gilbert before Susac hit a drive to the warning track in left that Kyle Stowers tracked down.
RHP Trevor McDonald (2-4, 4.64 ERA) starts Saturday for the Giants against Marlins RHP Max Meyer (7-0, 2.75).
Taylor Bevan’s link-up with Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis has seemingly come at the perfect time, ahead of his first 10-rounder against Ryszard Lewicki.
The 25-year-old has made steady progress in the professional code but, now, it seems as though he is approaching his toughest assignment thus far.
Not only is he facing a credible opponent but Bevan, who was a standout amateur, must also perform on the grandest stage he will have ever encountered.
It is just as well, then, that the talented prospect has joined forces with esteemed coaches Moore and Travis, knowing that basing himself in Manchester is a sacrifice worth making.
“They’re just two very experienced coaches. I went up there to try them out and gelled well with them straight away.
“They’ve obviously got a top stable of boxers – a lot of lads who are further along the journey than I am.
“I can learn a lot of people like that and there’s a great atmosphere in the gym, which is something I was missing before. I’m used to training on my own, so I’ve come from the other end of the spectrum, really.
“It’s a big commitment, moving four or five hours away from home, but I’m willing to make sacrifices at this stage in my career. I believe they’ll pay off in the future.”
One of the benefits of training in Manchester is that Bevan is closer, or at least more so than he was in Southampton, to top-class super-middleweight sparring.
As a result, he has been fortunate enough to share rounds with Callum Simpson, who rematches Troy Williamson on August 8, ahead of his clash with Lewicki.
“Yeah, amazing sparring. He’s at the top level at my weight, and he’s massive for the weight as well. I had eight rounds with him [around two weeks ago] and did another eight rounds with him [last week].
“I don’t think you can get much better sparring than that. It fills me with the utmost confidence going into this next fight, that I’m in great condition and prepared for anything.”
Bevan will collide with Lewicki at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, this Saturday, featuring on the undercard of Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi.
While still signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, this represents Bevan’s second outing on a Queensberry Promotions show, simply because the offer to enter his first professional contest in Southampton was too good to refuse.
The aim, as always, is to produce a statement performance and emerge victorious, yet Bevan does not rule out the possibility of going the full 10-round distance.
“I think it’s come at the perfect time – Tom Dallas at Matchroom has matched me brilliantly so far.
“I’ve been ready to do the eight rounds in my last few fights and it just hasn’t happened. In a way, it’s good to blast people out of there, because you get those highlight-reel knockouts and 8-0 (8 KOs) looks great on my record.
“But, at the same time, I wouldn’t be disappointed to go 10 rounds in this next fight, because it would be a good progression in my career. I’ve got to go the distance at some point, so why not do it now?”
Indeed, Bevan has established himself as a clinical knockout artist, but sees himself as more of a spiteful technician than an all-out power puncher.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a devastating puncher like [stablemate] Pat Brown, but I’d say [I get the stoppages with] smart boxing. When I feint, I look at where [the opponent] leaves himself open.
“I always felt like my style would suit the pros, because I like to think about things and be more calculated, whereas the amateurs is very fast and furious.
“I’ve always been a fit lad, and it was often my heart, determination and will to win that got me through those amateur fights.”
While boasting an accomplished amateur background, Bevan remains acutely aware that, against Lewicki, he could be dragged into something of a “dogfight”. Thankfully, though, he should have plenty of supporters to spur him on through any moments of jeopardy.
Jun 19, 2026; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) passes against the Connecticut Sun during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Marina Mabrey scored 21 of her career-best 37 points in the fourth quarter Friday night and the Toronto Tempo came back to defeat the Connecticut Sun 101-97 at Uncasville, Conn.
Mabrey, a former Sun, also made a career-best nine 3-pointers in 12 attempts, helping Toronto (8-8) snap a three-game losing streak. The Sun (2-15), who led by 16 points in the second quarter, have lost seven straight.
The Tempo also defeated the Sun on June 10 in overtime after trailing by 14.
Temi Fagbenle and Maria Conde contributed 19 points each for the injury-depleted Tempo. Isabelle Harrison added 15 points.
Kennedy Burke scored 18 points off the bench to lead the Sun.
Brittney Griner added 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Leila Lacan also scored 16 points, Olivia Nelson-Ododa had 13 points and Diamond Miller scored 10.
The Sun led by 10 points entering the fourth quarter. Lacan scored the first five points of the fourth quarter to expand the lead to 15. Fagbenle scored five straight points to cut the margin to one with 4:17 to play. Mabrey’s layup put Toronto in front by one with 3:16 left and her 3-pointer with 1:03 remaining gave Toronto a four-point lead on the way to the win.
The Sun led 24-20 after the first quarter. The lead reached eight points with 5:34 to play in the second quarter on Nelson-Ododa’s layup.
The Sun, who were dominating the paint, took a 16-point lead on Griner’s putback layup to finish a 14-0 run with 2:04 remaining in the first half. The Sun led 50-37 at halftime, fueled by a 28-10 advantage in points in the paint.
Toronto shot 36.1% (13-for-36) from the field in the first half, while Connecticut shot 55.9% (19-for-34).
Toronto reduced the lead to seven with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter on Julie Allemand’s layup. Toronto then cut the margin to six before Connecticut scored four consecutive points. The Suns led by 13 with 2:34 left after Burke scored a layup and added another following her quick steal on the inbound pass. Connecticut was ahead 74-64 after three quarters. Toronto was without Brittney Sykes (left foot), Nyara Sabally (right hamstring) and Kiki Rice (left ankle).
–Field Level Media
The United States booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle.
An own goal from Australia’s Cameron Burgess gave the Americans an early lead before Alex Freeman added a second just before half-time. Mauricio Pochettino’s side remained solid at the back and secured their second straight win of the tournament.
Player Ratings
Matt Freese (Goalkeeper) – 6.5/10
Had little to do throughout the match. Made two routine saves and was rarely troubled by the Australian attack.
Sergiño Dest – 7/10
A lively performance on the right flank. Constantly pushed forward, caused problems for Australia’s defence and created several attacking opportunities.
Alex Freeman – 8.5/10
Outstanding once again. Defended well, helped build attacks and capped his performance with a goal. One of the USA’s brightest performers in the tournament so far.
Chris Richards – 8/10
A commanding display in central defence. Strong in the air and dealt comfortably with Australia’s attacking threats.
Tim Ream – 7/10
Used his experience well and organised the defence effectively. Comfortable in possession and helped the USA keep a clean sheet.
Antonee Robinson – 6.5/10
Worked hard down the left side and stretched the Australian defence, although he was not as influential going forward as in the opening match.
Tyler Adams – 7/10
Showed his usual determination and leadership. Made important tackles and defensive interventions throughout the game.
Weston McKennie – 7/10
Another energetic display. Contributed in both attack and defence and covered plenty of ground.
Malik Tillman – 7.5/10
Impressed with his work rate and pressing. Won possession high up the pitch and helped create attacking chances.
Folarin Balogun – 7/10
His pace forced the opening own goal. Missed a few opportunities to score himself but worked hard for the team and linked play well.
Ricardo Pepi – 6.5/10
Brought into the starting line-up and performed his role well. Held the ball up effectively and helped connect midfield and attack.
Substitutes
Sebastian Berhalter – 5.5/10
Had a few chances to influence the game but was untidy in possession.
Joe Scally – 6/10
Provided good defensive support and helped contain Australia’s wide players.
Auston Trusty – 6/10
Added strength and energy as Australia pushed for a goal in the closing stages.
Gio Reyna – Not Rated
Came on in stoppage time.
Haji Wright – Not Rated
Late substitute and had little time to make an impact.
Man of the Match
Alex Freeman (8.5/10)
The young defender produced another excellent all-round display and crowned it with his first World Cup goal as the USA secured a place in the knockout rounds.
Jun 19, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (8) receives a pitch during the first inning against Washington Nationals at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images Jonathan Aranda sliced a go-ahead, three-run homer off the left field foul pole, and the Tampa Bay Rays won the opener of their three-game series against Washington by topping the Nationals 5-2 on Friday night.
Opening a season-high 10-game homestand and owning the best home record in the majors, the Rays fought back from a 2-0 deficit and used Aranda’s deep shot to end a three-game losing streak.
Jonny Deluca returned to the lineup after a nearly month-long absence and hit a solo homer. Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero had two singles apiece.
Pitching with an extra day’s rest, Griffin Jax (2-5) threw five innings and allowed two runs on four hits including two solo homers. He fanned five without a walk.
Closer Bryan Baker notched his 19th save with a perfect ninth.
Washington’s Luis Garcia Jr. went 2-for-3 with a homer, and CJ Abrams also went deep.
Cade Cavalli (illness) was scheduled as the starter, but he was scratched earlier in the day for PJ Poulin, who was the opener in a bullpen game.
Poulin tossed two scoreless innings before turning the mound duties over to two-time All-Star Miles Mikolas, who had posted 11 2/3 shutout innings in his past two outings. Mikolas (2-6) took the loss after pitching six innings and surrendering five runs on nine hits. He struck out two with a walk.
The visitors struck first in the second inning when Abrams led off the frame by crushing a Jax cutter an estimated 412 feet to center for his 15th home run. Nasim Nunez singled and stole his National League-leading 27th base, but left fielder Chandler Simpson’s sliding grab on Jorbit Vivas slowed the fleet Nats.
After DeLuca made a leaping snag of James Wood’s long drive to right-center, Garcia lifted his 10th homer to left, just making it into the first row for a 2-0 lead in the third.
Mikolas relieved in the third and put runners on with a walk and a hit with one out. Aranda followed by knocking a shot off the foul pole down the left field line and making it 3-2. Tampa Bay added another run in the fourth when Taylor Walls singled in Richie Palacios after the second baseman’s one-out double.
DeLuca smacked his third homer, a majestic 398-foot shot high to left, leading off the eighth for the final tally.
–Field Level Media
Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
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