Cristiano Ronaldo Confident Portugal Can Challenge for 2026 World Cup Success
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, is gearing up for a record‑breaking sixth World Cup appearance. As the squad departed Lisbon for their base camp in Palm Beach, Florida, Ronaldo voiced confidence in his own condition and the team’s prospects.
He described the build‑up as demanding yet productive, stressing that the players have worked hard and are physically ready.
“We’re approaching this competition with a lot of hope,” Ronaldo said. “The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard.” He added that he feels “physically good” and believes the team will put in a strong performance.
The veteran forward also praised the current generation of Portuguese players, calling it one of the nation’s strongest.
“It’s a very good generation… which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people,” he remarked, expressing faith in the squad around him.
Portugal opens its 2026 World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by matches versus Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.
Ronaldo emphasized the importance of a solid start: “The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, then follow up with the second and third… finish top of the group and from there, take it one match at a time.”
Despite some observers questioning whether his continued presence might hinder the growth of younger attacking talents under coach Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo remains upbeat about the team’s direction.
Portugal’s best World Cup finish to date is third place, achieved in 1966. The side also reached the quarter‑finals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
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