Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to make football history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first male player expected to appear in six World Cup tournaments.
The 41-year-old veteran striker was included Tuesday in coach Roberto Martínez’s 27-man squad as Portugal prepares for another attempt to capture the only major international trophy missing from Ronaldo’s legendary career.
Now playing for Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues defying expectations with remarkable longevity at the highest level of international football.
Ronaldo Chasing Historic Sixth World Cup Appearance
Ronaldo first played at a World Cup in 2006 and has remained a central figure for Portugal for two decades.
If he features this summer, he will officially become the first male footballer to appear in six FIFA World Cups.
The Portuguese captain is already:
- International football’s all-time leading male goalscorer
- Portugal’s most capped player
- One of the most decorated players in football history
Ronaldo currently holds a record 143 international goals for Portugal.
Despite his extraordinary career achievements, the World Cup trophy has remained elusive.
Potential Final World Cup Rivalry With Messi
The tournament could also feature one final global showdown between Ronaldo and longtime rival Lionel Messi.
Messi is also expected to appear in a sixth World Cup after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The Ronaldo-Messi rivalry has defined modern football for nearly two decades, particularly during their iconic years at:
- Real Madrid CF
- FC Barcelona
Football fans worldwide are now anticipating what could be the final World Cup appearance for both superstars.
Roberto Martínez Names Strong Portugal Squad
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez selected a balanced squad combining experienced veterans and younger European stars.
The squad includes Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate João Félix along with several players from Europe’s biggest clubs.
PSG Core Headlines Squad
Four players from Paris Saint-Germain were selected:
- Vitinha
- João Neves
- Nuno Mendes
- Gonçalo Ramos
Meanwhile, Manchester United F.C. midfielder Bruno Fernandes remains a key creative force for the team.
Portugal’s squad also features multiple players from Manchester City F.C. including:
- Bernardo Silva
- Rúben Dias
- Matheus Nunes
Ronaldo Avoids Suspension Before Tournament
Ronaldo’s inclusion comes after controversy surrounding his recent red card during Portugal’s qualifying campaign against the Republic of Ireland.
The veteran forward had faced the possibility of a three-match suspension after being sent off for an elbow incident.
However, disciplinary authorities did not impose an extended ban, clearing the way for him to participate in the World Cup.
Portugal’s Group Stage Schedule Confirmed
Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign against:
- Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17
- Uzbekistan on June 23
- Colombia on June 27
Before the tournament begins, Portugal will also play friendly matches against:
- Chile
- Nigeria
Portugal Still Chasing First World Cup Title
Despite producing generations of elite footballers, Portugal has never won the FIFA World Cup.
The country’s greatest international achievement remains its victory at the:
- UEFA Euro 2016
- UEFA Nations League Finals
With Ronaldo nearing the end of his career, many Portuguese supporters view the 2026 tournament as potentially the nation’s final chance to win football’s biggest prize during his era.
Analysis: Ronaldo’s Longevity Redefines Modern Football
Cristiano Ronaldo’s expected sixth World Cup appearance represents one of the most remarkable examples of longevity in modern sports history.
Very few footballers have remained internationally competitive into their 40s, particularly at elite tournament level.
His continued presence reflects:
- Exceptional physical conditioning
- Professional discipline
- Adaptation of playing style
- Psychological resilience
At the same time, Portugal’s squad is no longer solely dependent on Ronaldo.
Under Roberto Martínez, the national team now combines experienced leaders with one of Europe’s strongest emerging generations of talent.
Whether or not Portugal finally captures the World Cup, Ronaldo’s participation alone is likely to become one of the defining stories of the 2026 tournament — especially if football fans witness one last World Cup rivalry between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
