Cristiano Ronaldo has been selected in Portugal’s provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, setting the stage for him to become the first male player to feature in six editions of the global tournament. At 41 years old, the veteran forward continues to defy expectations, earning a call-up from coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo’s inclusion underscores his impact on international football. He currently holds the men’s records for:
- All-time international appearances: 226
- All-time international goals: 143
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has been playing for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr since January 2023. His selection means he will join an elite group of players who have participated in five World Cups, a list that also includes his long-time rival Lionel Messi. Messi, who led Argentina to victory four years ago in Qatar, is also expected to play in his sixth World Cup, further extending their parallel careers at the highest level.
Martinez names squad, honors Diogo Jota
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, unveiled a provisional squad described as “27 players plus one.” The “plus one” is a poignant tribute to former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash last July.
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“He is our strength, our joy,” Martinez stated, according to BBC Sport. “Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo’s dream and for the example he always set in our national team. Diogo Jota’s spirit, strength and example are the plus one and will always be the plus one.”
The squad features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents. Key players include Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City duo Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, Barcelona’s Joao Cancelo, and Paris St-Germain’s Nuno Mendes. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate Joao Felix also made the cut, alongside other notable forwards like Rafael Leao of AC Milan and Goncalo Ramos from Paris St-Germain.
Portugal’s World Cup journey
Ronaldo’s path to a record sixth World Cup was briefly threatened when he was sent off in Portugal’s penultimate qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in November. However, he successfully avoided a three-match ban, ensuring his eligibility for all of Portugal’s group games.
Portugal will prepare for the tournament with friendlies against Chile and Nigeria. Their World Cup campaign will kick off against DR Congo in Houston on June 17, followed by another match against Uzbekistan in the same city. They will conclude their Group K campaign against Colombia in Miami.
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Despite the pursuit of a World Cup title, Ronaldo has previously downplayed its significance to his legacy. In an interview with Piers Morgan, quoted by 433, he remarked, “I’d say it’s NOT a dream for me to win the World Cup. To define what? To define if I’m one of the best in history? To win one competition, six games, seven games, do you think it’s fair?” Regardless of his personal view, his presence at 41 for a sixth World Cup appearance will undoubtedly be a defining moment in football history.
Sources: www.bbc.com, www.instagram.com
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