Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo To Make Sixth World Cup Appearance

Will this summer be the crowning achievement in the career for one of soccer’s greatest ever legends? 

Cristiano Ronaldo was officially named to Portugal’s roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. The 41-year-old star forward will make his sixth appearance at the tournament, one of the few titles that has eluded him throughout his illustrious career. 

Ronaldo is the all-time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men’s national team. He is also the only man to have scored in five World Cups. He helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship and two UEFA Nations League titles (2019, 2025).

His club career has spanned some of the biggest sides in the world. After breaking through Portuguese side Sporting CP, he moved to Manchester United in 2003, where he won three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. He joined Real Madrid and solidified his status as global name with four Champions League trophies and multiple domestic titles. A move to Juventus in 2018 saw him win multiple titles in Italy, but he wouldn’t win another Champions League. He returned to Manchester United in 2022.  

Ronaldo made the move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr in the middle of the 2022-23 season after his second stint with United. 

Also included in the list were Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate Joao Felix, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos also made the list.

Martínez selected four goalkeepers to his squad.

Portugal is in Group K along with Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo. Portugal opens against Congo on June 17 in Houston.

Ronaldo’s longtime rival Lionel Messi is set to reach the milestone of playing in six World Cups. Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in a thrilling win over France that went to penalties.

Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho ( Gençlerbirliği)

Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silv