Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for a record sixth World Cup

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting the veteran forward on course to play in the tournament for a record sixth time after coach Roberto Martinez announced his selections on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old striker, who now plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr after spells with Real Madrid and Manchester United, will lead Portugal into the competition this summer. According to the squad announcement, Martinez picked a 27-man group with no major surprises.

Ronaldo goes into the tournament as the leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals. Despite his long international career and Portugal’s standing in world football, the team has never won the World Cup.

Possible meeting with Messi

The tournament could also feature another chapter in Ronaldo’s long-running rivalry with Lionel Messi. The Argentina captain is also set to appear at a sixth World Cup after guiding his country to the title four years ago in Qatar.

Ronaldo was available for selection after avoiding a three-match suspension following his sending-off for an elbow in Portugal’s last qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland.

Squad includes familiar names

Martinez’s squad includes Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate Joao Felix. Paris Saint-Germain players Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos were also selected, along with Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Portugal’s squad also features Manchester City players, including Bernardo Silva, as part of a group that combines established internationals with players from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.

The goalkeepers named are Diogo Costa of Porto, Jose Sa of Wolves, Rui Silva of Sporting Lisbon and Ricardo Velho of Genclerbirligi.

Among the defenders selected are Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga and Tomas Araujo.

The midfield options include Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.

Portugal’s attacking unit consists of Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes and Goncalo Ramos.

Warm-up matches and group fixtures

Before the World Cup begins, Portugal are scheduled to play friendlies against Chile and Nigeria.

Their campaign at the finals will open against DR Congo on June 17. Portugal will then face Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27 in Group K.

The full squad named by Martinez is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi/TUR).

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona/ESP), Nuno Mendes (PSG/FRA), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villareal/ESP), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA), Samu Costa (Mallorca/ESP), Joao Neves, Vitinha (PSG/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG).

Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix (Al Nassr/KSA), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus /ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad/ESP), Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA).