Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history after being chosen to Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he could become the first male player to compete in six different tournaments.
According to the BBC, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez named the 41-year-old skipper in his final roster as the Seleção prepared to win the World Cup for the first time in history.
Ronaldo already has the men’s all-time international appearance and goal-scoring records, with 226 caps and 143 goals for Portugal.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker is now one of only six players to have competed in five World Cups, along with longtime adversary Lionel Messi, who is also likely to play for Argentina this summer.
Ronaldo’s involvement was widely anticipated, despite worries about his age and physical demands, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to play for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Martínez used the squad announcement to pay poignant tribute to the late Portugal international Diogo Jota, who died in a vehicle accident last year.
“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 our responsibility to fight for Diogo Jota’s dream and for the example he set in our national team.
“The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one. He will be the plus one forever.”
Portugal’s squad features prominent players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, and João Félix.
Portugal will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K of the competition.
Portugal will play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria in preparation for the World Cup.
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad includes: Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), and Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St.-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St. Germain), Vitinha (Paris St. Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), and Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain).
