Cristiano Ronaldo will make history this summer after being included in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting him on course to appear at the tournament for a sixth time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, already holds the men’s record for international caps and goals and now stands alone at the summit of World Cup longevity. Only five players have previously reached five editions, including his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who is also set for a sixth appearance after guiding Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been playing club football with Al-Nassr since January 2023 and remains eligible for Portugal’s group matches after avoiding suspension following his red card in a qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last November.
Head coach Roberto Martinez announced what he described as a squad of “27 players plus one”, paying tribute to the late Diogo Jota.
“He is our strength, our joy,” said Martinez. “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 plus one and will always be the plus one.”
The squad includes Bruno Fernandes, who could yet finish the season by breaking the Premier League assist record with Manchester United. Four players from Paris Saint-Germain are also involved and will contest the Champions League final against Arsenal on 30 May.
Portugal face friendlies against Chile and Nigeria before opening their World Cup campaign against DR Congo in Houston on 17 June. They then meet Uzbekistan before closing Group K against Colombia in Miami.
Portugal World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers
Diogo Costa (Porto)
Jose Sa (Wolves)
Rui Silva (Sporting)
Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)
Defenders
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce)
Joao Cancelo (Barcelona)
Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain)
Goncalo Inacio (Sporting)
Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
Tomas Araujo (Benfica)
Midfielders
Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal)
Samu Costa (Mallorca)
Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain)
Vitinha (Paris St-Germain)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Joao Felix (Al-Nassr)
Francisco Trincao (Sporting)
Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)
Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain)