Portugal World Cup Squad Announced as Ronaldo Prepares for His 6th World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the first male player to feature in six FIFA World Cups after being included in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament by head coach Roberto Martinez. The squad announcement was made on Tuesday at Cidade do Futebol, with Portugal preparing for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico next month.

The 41-year-old forward remains a central figure in the national side and is expected to lead Portugal’s attack during the tournament. If selected by Argentina, Lionel Messi could also reach six World Cup appearances later this year.

Martinez Includes Symbolic ‘Plus One’

Martinez confirmed he had selected “27 players plus one”, dedicating the additional place to late Portugal international Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain last July at the age of 28.

“He is our strength, our joy,” Martinez said. “Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team. Diogo Jota's spirit, strength and example are the +1 and will always be the +1.”

The coach also explained the decision to travel with four goalkeepers and five fullbacks due to the demands of the expanded tournament schedule and climate conditions across multiple host cities.

Portugal Schedule and Preparations

Portugal, drawn in Group K, will open their campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston on June 17. They will remain in the city for their second match against Uzbekistan on June 23 before facing Colombia in Miami four days later.

Ahead of the tournament, Portugal will play warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria. FIFA regulations require the squad to report to their training base in Palm Beach, Florida, at least five days before the opening fixture.

Key names in the Portugal squad

The Portugal World Cup squad announced by Martinez includes experienced figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo alongside younger players including Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos.

The inclusion of Ronaldo means the veteran striker is now in line to play his 6th World Cup, extending a record-setting international career that has already spanned more than two decades.

Portugal FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho 

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo.

Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samuel Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva

Forwards: Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Also read: Ronaldo net worth 2026