Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Historic Sixth World Cup After Portugal Squad Call-Up
Hope
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of making football history after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 41-year-old forward was included in Roberto Martinez’s final roster announced on Tuesday 19 May, with Ronaldo now set to become the first men’s player to appear in six FIFA World Cups if he features in North America this summer.
Longtime rival Lionel Messi could also reach the same milestone with Argentina at the tournament.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a key figure for both Portugal national football team and his Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The veteran striker heads into what he says will be the final World Cup of his illustrious career still chasing the one major trophy missing from his collection.
Ronaldo currently holds the record for the most appearances in men’s international football with 226 caps and is also the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 goals.
Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo, with their World Cup campaign beginning against Congo in Houston on June 17.
Coach Roberto Martinez named a 27-man provisional squad and is expected to drop one goalkeeper before the tournament begins to meet FIFA’s 26-player limit.
The squad includes several experienced stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo, while Paris Saint-Germain trio Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes were also selected.
Portugal’s attack will feature strong support for Ronaldo, including Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos.
With experience, talent and one of football’s greatest-ever players leading the way, Portugal will once again hope to mount a serious challenge for World Cup glory in 2026.
