New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a record sixth appearance in the FIFA World Cup after being included in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming 2026 edition of the tournament. The legendary forward will lead Portugal in the tournament, in what is likely to be the final World Cup of his illustrious career.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez announced a 27-man squad, keeping late Diogo Jota as a “plus one” member in his honour. Portugal have kept Ricardo Velho as the fourth-choice goalkeeper in the squad as FIFA permits a maximum of only 26 players in the official squad. Velho can be added to the squad only in the case of an injury to one of the three registered goalkeepers.
Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s leading goal scorer of all time, will continue his pursuit for his maiden World Cup crown in the tournament, which is set to be played in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. There were question marks over his future after Portugal failed to qualify for the semifinals in the last edition, but Ronaldo has remained central to the team’s plans heading into the upcoming edition.
Despite being 41, the Al-Nassr forward has been trusted to lead Portugal’s attack in the showpiece event. Ronaldo will also be available for the group stage matches for Portugal after avoiding a red card for an elbow challenge during their final qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland. Ronaldo is also set for another exciting showdown with eternal rival Lionel Messi in what can be the duo’s last World Cup.
Portugal’s squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP); Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi Ankara);
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United); Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal); Ruben Dias (Manchester City); Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica)
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG); Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Honorary)