The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a historic tournament for Portugal’s national football team. At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for what is likely to be his final shot at World Cup glory, aiming to crown a legendary career.
If fully fit and selected, Ronaldo could make history alongside Lionel Messi by becoming one of the first players to appear in six World Cups. Head coach Roberto Martinez believes the captain will be available for the finals hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite recent injury worries.
A critical talking point heading into the tournament is how Roberto Martinez will manage the veteran forward’s minutes on the pitch. At 41, Ronaldo’s game time is being carefully managed. While Ronaldo will probably start this summer, it is unrealistic to expect him to complete 90 minutes in every game.
Recent club statistics reflect this cautious strategy; in his recent May 2026 appearances for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo has consistently been substituted off during matches to preserve his fitness. If Martinez is serious about making a deep run in the tournament, balancing Ronaldo’s minutes with alternative attacking options will be paramount.
Ronaldo recently dealt with a hamstring problem that kept him sidelined during international warm-up friendlies against Mexico and the United States. However, Martinez reduced concerns by outlining a shorter possible timeline for a return to training, confirming that Ronaldo remains central to the squad’s plans. Portugal notably struggled without their talismanic forward in a recent 0-0 draw against Mexico, missing the clinical attacking edge he usually provides.
Roberto Martinez on Ronaldo’s Legacy
He has continuously praised his captain’s elite work ethic and influence within the dressing room. “I have never worked with a player who, every morning, has this focus on using the day to improve,” Martinez stated to Reuters regarding his star forward.
When asked if Ronaldo needs to win the 2026 World Cup to solidify his status as the greatest of all time, the manager was definitive: “He will be the greatest player ever, whether he wins the World Cup or not”.
Martinez made it clear that tournaments alone will not define Ronaldo’s historical standing.
Portugal’s Road Ahead in Group K
Portugal, ranked among the top sides globally, will enter the tournament as heavy favourites in Group K, which also includes Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo. Ronaldo, who currently holds the record for the most international goals in men’s football with 143, will undoubtedly be the focal point of their campaign. Backed by a strong squad featuring established stars like Bruno Fernandes and rising talents like Joao Neves, Martinez’s team is looking to wrestle it out for the ultimate prize.
Story first published: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 16:48 [IST]
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