At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong. He's just been named in Portugal's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be his sixth World Cup appearance - a record for any male player.

Ronaldo already holds the men's all-time international appearance and goalscoring records, with 226 caps and 143 goals for Portugal. He's one of only six players to have appeared in five World Cups, alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi, who's also expected to feature for Argentina this summer.

Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad had been widely anticipated despite concerns over his age and physical demands. He's been playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez included the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in his final squad as the Seleção prepares for another attempt to win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

“The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one”

— he'll be the plus one forever, said Martínez, paying tribute to late Portugal international Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident last year.

Portugal's squad also includes key stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, and João Félix. They'll face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K of the tournament. Before the World Cup begins, Portugal is scheduled to play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria as part of their preparations.

Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad is as follows:

  • Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
  • Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Rúben 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).

As Portugal prepares for the World Cup, Ronaldo's record-breaking appearance is a significant talking point. He's a player who's consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in football. Ronaldo's dedication and passion for the sport can't be overstated.

The Nigeria friendly match is also an interesting aspect of Portugal's preparations. It'll be a great opportunity for Nigerian fans to see some of the world's best players in action. They won't want to miss this chance to watch Ronaldo and other stars play.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance, a record for any male player.
  • Ronaldo holds the men's all-time international appearance and goalscoring records, with 226 caps and 143 goals for Portugal.
  • Portugal's squad includes key stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, and João Félix.
  • Portugal will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K of the tournament.
  • Portugal is scheduled to play friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria as part of their preparations.

Ronaldo's achievement is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. As he prepares to take the field for his sixth World Cup, fans around the world will be watching with bated breath. Will he be able to lead Portugal to victory, or will this be his final World Cup appearance? Ronaldo won't give up easily, and he'll do everything he can to help his team succeed.