Cristiano Ronaldo heads to the 2026 World Cup knowing it could be his final chance to lift football’s biggest prize.
At 41, the Portugal icon remains the central figure for his country as they prepare for a seventh consecutive tournament appearance in North America.
Ronaldo has already won multiple major honours during his career, including the European Championship and UEFA Nations League with Portugal, but the World Cup remains the one major trophy missing from his collection.
Sitting in Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites to go all the way this summer, even with an ageing Ronaldo in their Ranks.
Ronaldo Still Leads Portugal’s Hopes
Ronaldo is set to play at a record sixth World Cup and remains Portugal’s captain heading into the tournament.
Despite his age, he continues to be one of the most important players in the squad and will again carry huge expectations, even if he is no longer in his prime.
Portugal also possess major quality around him, with Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva expected to control games in midfield, while Rafael Leao offers pace and creativity in attack.
Portugal’s Group Stage Fixtures
17 June: Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo
Houston, Texas
23 June: Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Houston, Texas
27 June: Colombia vs Portugal
Miami Gardens, Florida
Portugal’s World Cup Squad In Full
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP); Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi Ankara)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United); Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal); Ruben Dias (Manchester City); Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG); Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Portugal Chasing History
Portugal’s best World Cup finish remains third place in 1966, but this current generation will believe they have the quality to go further.
Having already won the Nations League under Martinez, confidence inside the camp is high ahead of the tournament.
