Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo Named in Historic Sixth World Cup Squad as Portugal Chase First Title
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make football history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first male player ever selected for six different World Cup tournaments.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez included the 41-year-old forward in his 27-man squad for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The upcoming competition is widely expected to be Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage as Portugal seek to win the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.
Ronaldo first appeared at the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and has since featured in the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the greatest players in football history and remains the all-time leading scorer and most-capped player in men’s international football, with 143 goals in 226 appearances for Portugal.
The veteran forward also holds the unique record of scoring in five different FIFA World Cups, another milestone that underlines his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the game.
Speaking in an interview with CNN in November, Ronaldo admitted that the 2026 tournament would “definitely” be his final World Cup appearance, fueling anticipation among football fans eager to watch one last campaign from the Portuguese legend.
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Long-time rival Lionel Messi could also join Ronaldo in the history books if he features for Argentina at the tournament, potentially making both players the first men to appear in six World Cups.
Portugal’s squad announcement also carried emotional significance following the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who reportedly died in a car accident in Spain last year at the age of 28.
Jota had been a regular member of the national team setup, and coach Roberto Martínez said the late forward would remain in the thoughts of the players throughout the competition.
The Portuguese squad features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents playing across Europe’s top leagues.
Included in the team are Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias of Manchester City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate João Félix was also included in the squad, alongside AC Milan winger Rafael Leão and Chelsea forward Pedro Neto.
Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. They will open their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston.
Coach Roberto Martínez expressed confidence in the squad’s quality and experience, insisting Portugal possess the balance needed to compete strongly at the tournament.
Football fans across the world have already reacted enthusiastically to Ronaldo’s inclusion, with many describing the competition as the legendary forward’s “last dance” in international football.
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