BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make football history after being selected in Portugal national football team’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that will mark his record-breaking sixth appearance at the global showpiece.
At 41 years old, Ronaldo continues to extend one of the most extraordinary international careers in football history. The veteran forward already holds the men’s all-time records for international appearances and goals, having amassed 226 caps and scored 143 goals for Portugal.
With his latest selection, Ronaldo joins an elite and unprecedented chapter in World Cup history. He had already been among the select group of players to feature in five World Cups, alongside long-time rival Lionel Messi, and now both icons are set to compete in a sixth edition of the tournament.
Messi, who guided Argentina national football team to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, is also expected to headline this summer’s competition, further extending one of football’s greatest rivalries onto the international stage once again.
Ronaldo Continues Defying Time
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has remained an influential figure for both club and country despite advancing age. Since joining Al-Nassr FC in January 2023, Ronaldo has continued to maintain impressive scoring consistency in Saudi Arabian football while preserving his central role within the Portuguese national setup.
There had been uncertainty regarding his disciplinary status after he was sent off during Portugal’s penultimate World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last November. However, Ronaldo ultimately avoided a three-match suspension, ensuring his availability for all group-stage fixtures.
Martinez Pays Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota
Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez used the squad announcement to deliver a heartfelt tribute to former Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last July.
Martinez described the squad as consisting of “27 players plus one,” symbolically honouring Jota’s enduring presence within the national team environment.
“He is our strength, our joy,” Martinez said emotionally. “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.”
Squad Packed with European Elite Talent
Portugal’s squad blends experienced leaders with emerging stars currently competing at the highest level of European football.
Bruno Fernandes enters the tournament after another influential season with Manchester United FC, while several players from Paris Saint-Germain FC remain heavily involved in club commitments ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final.
Midfield dynamo Vitinha, alongside João Neves, Nuno Mendes, and Gonçalo Ramos, are all expected to feature prominently for PSG before immediately transitioning into international duty.
Portugal’s Road Ahead
Before beginning their World Cup campaign, Portugal will play warm-up friendlies against Chile national football team and Nigeria national football team.
Their tournament journey officially begins against DR Congo national football team in Houston on 17 June. Portugal will then face Uzbekistan national football team before concluding their Group K fixtures against Colombia national football team in Miami.
As anticipation builds for another World Cup summer, Ronaldo’s inclusion ensures that one of football’s greatest-ever careers will continue on the sport’s grandest stage — adding yet another remarkable chapter to an already unparalleled legacy.