Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s 27-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that the 41-year-old will appear at a record sixth tournament.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez announced the squad on Tuesday at the Cidade do Futebol training complex. He also added a symbolic “plus one” spot in tribute to late forward Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident last year.
Martínez explained that the squad includes 27 players, with fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho travelling as a standby option. He will only be registered if one of the main goalkeepers suffers an injury before or during the tournament.
Portugal head into the World Cup as Nations League champions and will compete in Group K in North America, with matches scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Their group stage fixtures include games against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
The coach defended his selection choices, noting the importance of squad depth due to travel demands, weather conditions, and the intensity of the tournament schedule. He also emphasized the need for multiple players in key positions, particularly full-backs.
Portugal’s attack will be led by experienced stars including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and others supporting Ronaldo up front.
The team will play warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria before travelling to their training base in Florida ahead of the tournament kickoff.
For Ronaldo, this marks another historic milestone in a career already defined by longevity, consistency, and record-breaking international appearances.
PORTUGAL WORLD CUP SQUAD
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).
