Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Historic Sixth World Cup as Portugal Eyes 2026 Title Run

Cristiano Ronaldo is on track to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Portugal captain is expected to become the first men’s player to appear in six World Cup tournaments. The 41-year-old enters the competition as international football’s all-time leading scorer with 143 goals in 226 appearances for Portugal, continuing to play a central role under manager Roberto Martínez.

Portugal arrives at the tournament following an unbeaten qualifying campaign and a UEFA Nations League title, though Martínez cautioned this week that form entering the expanded 48-team World Cup “counts for little” once the tournament begins. Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 matches since Martínez took over as manager, with the coach saying selection decisions are based strictly on current performance rather than reputation or age. “We manage the Cristiano Ronaldo that plays for the national team trying to get into the squad for 2026, not the iconic figure,” Martínez told Reuters.

The World Cup remains the lone major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s international résumé after winning UEFA Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles with Portugal. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes recently told the BBC that helping Ronaldo win the World Cup “would be something amazing” and “something amazing for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world.”

Portugal opens Group K play against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston before facing Uzbekistan on June 23, also in Houston. Portugal closes the group stage against Colombia on June 27 in Miami Gardens. The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.