Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Portugal star brought off the bench in World Cup quarterfinal vs Morocco

It didn't take Cristiano Ronaldo long to grab the headlines during this FIFA World Cup, doing so before even playing a minute for Portugal thanks to his acrimonious fall-out with Manchester United and subsequent exit.

It feels quite surreal that Ronaldo is playing at a World Cup as an unattached player, without a club. But that didn't stop him putting himself back on the front pages when he did take to the field, netting a penalty to give Portugal the lead in their Group H opener versus Ghana.

Portugal were given a real fright by the African nation in that match, eventually running out 3-2 winners, as Joao Felix and Rafael Leao added to Ronaldo's penalty.

Ronaldo thought he had doubled his tally for the tournament with the opener against Uruguay but that goal was eventually awarded to Bruno Fernandes, who subsequently sealed Portugal's win and their place in the last 16 with a controversial added-time penalty.

Ronaldo was frustrated again as Portugal became the victims of another underdog shock in Qatar, losing 2-1 to South Korea in their final Group H match, and then shockingly left out of the starting lineup as Portugal romped to a 6-1 victory that Ronaldo only made a cameo contribution to. Instead, his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick to lead Portugal to victory.

Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup, as head coach Fernando Santos decided against making significant changes after such a resounding performance. Ramos started ahead of Ronaldo, although the veteran striker was called off the subs' bench on 51 minutes, replacing Ruben Neves

All eyes are on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Qatar, as he chases that elusive World Cup title that would put the gloss on an astonishing career. His reaction to his benching has also garnered significant attention, and his mannerisms are watched closely as he attempts to remain a team player while also battling his inner emotions.

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)

When is Ronaldo's next World Cup match?

Portugal now face surprise package of the tournament Morocco in the quarterfinals, as the Atlas Lions shocked Spain by beating them in a penalty shootout.

Ronaldo was brought off the bench with his team trailing 1-0, although it was to play alongside Ramos rather than replace him. The youngster earned the right to start again after his sensational performance in the Round of 16.

⏲ Chegou a HORA: Este é o nosso 11 Inicial para hoje! 👥🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira

⏲ It's TIME: This is our Starting 11 for today! 👥 #WearTheFlag pic.twitter.com/i7N6khiFag

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) December 10, 2022

There was video footage of Ronaldo after the Switzerland game appearing to not celebrate with his teammates or thank the fans, indicating his displeasure with his involvement.

Portugal's quarterfinal match against Morocco is taking place on Saturday, December 10 at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Portugal knockout schedule 

*Only in event of defeat in semifinals

Portugal vs Morocco start time

Here's how that kick off time against Morocco translates in time zones across the world:

Portugal vs. Morocco kickoff time

* Following day

Portugal vs Morocco live stream, TV channel

This quarterfinal clash will be played at Lusail Stadium. Here's how you can watch all the action in some of the major global territories.