Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Portugal World Cup Squad 2026 For Sixth Bid

Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal's portugal world cup squad 2026, with Roberto Martinez naming the 41-year-old in an initial 27-man group on Tuesday. If he plays in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, he would become the first male footballer to appear at six World Cups.

Ronaldo Stays In Martinez Group

Ronaldo was picked alongside Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes, keeping Portugal's core intact for a tournament where they are among the favourites. The squad also includes Goncalo Guedes, who returned to the national setup in March after a four-year absence.

Martinez's selection kept Ronaldo in place despite criticism of his displays at Euro 2024. Portugal won the Nations League last year by beating Spain in the final, and the manager has now turned that squad into the first cut for the World Cup build-up.

Goalkeeper Cut Looms

Four goalkeepers were called up, and one will have to be removed before the final deadline. That is the only immediate trimming required from the 27-man group, but it leaves the most obvious open slot in the squad process.

Samuel Costa was chosen ahead of Joao Palhinha and Mateus Fernandes in midfield, a notable selection call because Palhinha has 37 caps and Mateus Fernandes made his debut earlier in 2026. Antonio Silva missed out, along with Paulinho, Pedro Goncalves, Ricardo Horta and Rodrigo Mora.

Portugal In Group K

Portugal will go into Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo. Their furthest World Cup runs came in 1966 and 2006, when they reached the semi-finals, and the current group now carries that history into a tournament they have not yet finalised.

The team has home friendlies against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 before the final deadline reduces the goalkeeper group. Ronaldo's place keeps the spotlight on a 12th major tournament for Portugal, with the squad still one change away from the version that opens the World Cup campaign.