Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign got off to an unexpected start on Wednesday as Portugal’s pre-match beach training session was abandoned after security concerns forced the players back to their hotel.
The Portugal squad, based at the Four Seasons resort in Palm Beach, had hoped to use a private beach before their Group K opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo. But according to Portuguese media reports, the players caused a stir when they stepped towards the sand, with a public bathing area nearby. Security personnel intervened amid fears that the footballers would be disturbed by members of the public.
“Portugal's beach training session before World Cup opener disrupted by security concerns near hotel.”
A Bola reported that security urged the players to retreat to the hotel, and the coaching staff moved the training session back to the pool area. There was said to be a fear that it would be impossible to create a bubble around the public beach area, which – like the private section – opened out onto the Atlantic Ocean.
One Portugal fan living in Florida, who had hoped to see the national team up close, told the publication he spotted Ronaldo before the veteran – like a number of his team-mates – eventually turned back and returned to the hotel. Not everyone took the advice, though. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias are reported to have enjoyed a brief swim before also returning inside.
Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo at 6pm UK time on Wednesday. Uzbekistan and Colombia round out the group, with the top team facing a third‑placed side in the round of 32.
Ronaldo, 41, is widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup. He was sent off in Portugal’s penultimate qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in November 2025, but was spared a suspension for the tournament proper after FIFA stepped in.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a three-match ban on Cristiano Ronaldo following his direct red card,” a FIFA statement said. “The first of the three matches was served in the encounter Portugal vs Armenia played on 16 November 2025. In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the serving of the two remaining matches has been suspended under a one-year probation period.”
Portugal topped their qualifying group, beating Armenia 9-1 to book their place at the finals. Now, Ronaldo and his team-mates must refocus after a disrupted build-up, with the match against DR Congo looming.