Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after earning a place in Portugal national football team’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez announced the squad on Tuesday and included the 41-year-old star for what is expected to be his sixth World Cup appearance — a record in men’s football.
Ronaldo could become the first male player to feature in six World Cups alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi of Argentina national football team.
Portugal pays tribute to Diogo Jota
Martínez also paid an emotional tribute to late Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last July at the age of 28. The Portugal coach said Jota would remain part of the squad “forever” as a symbolic extra member. “The final list includes 27 names plus one,” Martínez said.
“To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment. But the next day it was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo Jota’s dream and for the example that he was in our national team. The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one. He will be the plus one forever.”
Jota had become a regular member of Portugal’s national team before his death.
Ronaldo prepares for likely final World Cup
The upcoming tournament will likely be Ronaldo’s final chance to win the World Cup, the only major trophy missing from his international career. It will also mark his first World Cup since leaving top-level European football to join Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia.
Martínez praised Ronaldo’s leadership and commitment to the national team. “When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players,” Martínez said.
“We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players, the competitiveness to be in the national team. Our captain is an example. We want him to continue with the same level of responsibility and leadership inside the locker room.”
Ronaldo already holds the record for most appearances and goals in men’s international football with 226 matches and 143 goals. He also remains the only male player to score in five different World Cups. In an interview with CNN last November, Ronaldo said this tournament would “definitely” be his final World Cup.
Strong Portugal squad selected
Portugal’s squad also includes several top European stars. Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate João Félix earned selection alongside Bernardo Silva of Manchester City F.C. and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United F.C.. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. players Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos also made the squad.
Martínez named 27 players plus an additional reserve goalkeeper, although final World Cup squads can only include 26 players. Goalkeeper Ricardo Velho will travel only if another goalkeeper suffers an injury.
Portugal targets historic World Cup triumph
Portugal enters the World Cup after winning the UEFA Nations League 2025. The team defeated Germany national football team in the semifinals and Spain national football team in the final.
Portugal will compete in Group K alongside Colombia national football team, Uzbekistan national football team and Congo national football team. The team opens its campaign against Congo on June 17 in Houston.
Martínez said Portugal has the quality to challenge for the title but refused to label his side as tournament favorites. “The World Cup is not about playing well, not about having talent,” he said.
“There are many challenges. I think only a national team that has already won the World Cup can be a favorite. We welcome the pressure, it’s not a problem, but I think ‘candidate’ is probably a better word to describe the good moment that we’ve been going through.”
“Considering the talent and the spirit of our group, we all can dream,” Martínez added. “We can dream, yes, and be a candidate, but not a favorite.”
Portugal will begin preparations on June 1. The team will play warm-up matches against Chile national football team on June 6 and Nigeria national football team on June 10 before travelling to the United States on June 12.