(foto: Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first Portuguese player to appear at six World Cups after Roberto Martinez confirmed Portugal’s final squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo will write another chapter in football history after being selected in Portugal’s final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old forward will become the first Portuguese player to appear at six World Cups and will make one final attempt to lift the biggest trophy in international football.
Ronaldo already stands alone in Portugal’s history as the nation’s most-capped player with 226 appearances and also their all-time leading scorer with 143 goals.
The tournament in North America gives him another opportunity to extend both records.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has once again placed his trust in the veteran captain despite continued questions about his age.
Martinez recently defended Ronaldo’s role in the squad.
“Age is only a number.”
“There are different roles, and Cristiano has always accepted his role.”
“He is fantastic with his movements, opening spaces and executing the attacking patterns we want.”
Ronaldo arrives after another season with Al-Nassr and will lead an experienced and talented Portuguese squad.
In attack, he will be joined by Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Ramos, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Guedes and Francisco Trincao.
The midfield includes key names such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves and Samu Costa.
Defensively, Portugal will rely on Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio and others.
Portugal begins their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17 before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group C.
Ronaldo’s World Cup journey started in Germany in 2006, where Portugal reached the semi-finals. Since then, he has played in South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and Qatar, but the trophy has remained out of reach.
Across his career, Ronaldo has won 36 trophies, including five Champions League titles, the European Championship, and league titles in England, Spain and Italy.
Now, one final opportunity awaits.