ristiano Ronaldo will lead Portugal national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Roberto Martínez included the veteran forward in Portugal’s 27-man squad announced on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old striker, currently playing for Al Nassr FC, is set to become the first player to appear in six FIFA World Cups. Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals.
Portugal will enter the tournament still searching for their first World Cup title, while Ronaldo could potentially face long-time rival Lionel Messi, who is also expected to play at a sixth World Cup with defending champions Argentina national football team.
Portugal announce experienced squad
Coach Roberto Martínez named an experienced squad featuring several players from Europe’s top clubs, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Paris Saint-Germain players Vitinha, João Neves and Nuno Mendes.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate João Félix was also included in the squad.
Portugal are scheduled to play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria before beginning their World Cup campaign against DR Congo national football team on June 17.
The team will also face Uzbekistan national football team and Colombia national football team in Group K.
Today's E-Paper