Ronaldo Targets Historic Sixth World Cup With Portugal

RIYADH: (Web Desk) – Portugal will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with high expectations as captain Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to make history by appearing in a record sixth World Cup tournament.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the first footballer, alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi, to feature in six FIFA World Cups.

Portugal are considered strong favourites to advance from Group K, where they will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Despite Ronaldo’s remarkable international record of 143 goals, Portugal have struggled to challenge seriously for World Cup glory since reaching the semi-finals of the 2006 tournament.

Questions have occasionally been raised about Ronaldo’s role in recent major tournaments, particularly after failing to score in his last nine World Cup and European Championship appearances combined. He was notably dropped during the 2022 World Cup by former coach Fernando Santos.

However, head coach Roberto Martinez has continued to place his trust in the veteran forward. Ronaldo played a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph, scoring crucial goals during the knockout stages and final.

Portugal’s greatest strength may lie in midfield, where stars such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva provide one of the tournament’s strongest midfield combinations.

Meanwhile, Colombia will rely on experienced playmaker James Rodriguez and star winger Luis Diaz as they aim to challenge Portugal for top spot in the group.

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Colombia are expected to enjoy strong support throughout the tournament, with fans securing some of the most sought-after tickets among participating nations.

Tournament newcomers Uzbekistan will look to cause an upset under the guidance of head coach Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to World Cup success in 2006. Their squad is led by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

DR Congo return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. The African side boasts talented players including Yoane Wissa, Noah Sadiki and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Having defeated Cameroon and Nigeria during qualification, DR Congo will be aiming to secure their first-ever World Cup victory on football’s biggest stage.