Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal’s Squad for Record Sixth World Cup Appearance

• Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play his record-sixth World Cup for Portugal

• Portugal also paid homage to late Diogo Jota by including as a “plus one forever” in the squad

• Portugal is in Group K along with Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a record sixth World Cup appearance after being included in Portugal’s squad for the tournament on Tuesday. Coach Roberto Martínez also honored the late Diogo Jota by adding him as a “plus one forever,” paying tribute to the player who tragically died last year.

Martínez emphasized that Jota will be remembered by the national team as they strive for their first victory at soccer’s premier event. The 28-year-old Jota, a key player for Portugal, lost his life in a car accident in Spain last July.

“The final list includes 27 names plus one,” Martínez stated. “To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult one. The following day, it became our responsibility to fight for Diogo Jota’s dream and preserve the example he set in our national team. Diogo Jota will be our plus one forever.”

Martínez selected the 41-year-old Ronaldo along with 26 other players in an effort to secure Portugal’s first World Cup title.

This will likely be Ronaldo’s last shot at winning the world’s most coveted trophy. It marks his first World Cup since leaving elite European soccer to play in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo and rival Lionel Messi of Argentina could become the first men to compete in six World Cups.

“When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players,” Martínez said. “We talk about the icon of world soccer and our captain, who demands the same of himself as any other player, showing incredible competitiveness to remain on the national team. Our captain exemplifies leadership, and we expect him to maintain that responsibility inside the locker room.”

Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men’s national team and is the only man to score in five World Cups.

In November, Ronaldo indicated to CNN that this would “definitely” be his last World Cup.

Among the other selected players are Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate João Félix, Manchester City‘s Bernardo Silva, and Manchester United‘s Bruno Fernandes. Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos also made the final cut.

Despite the World Cup squads being limited to a maximum of 26 players, Martínez included Ricardo Velho as a fourth-choice goalkeeper to step in only if injuries occur among the other three goalkeepers. He noted that he spoke personally to each player who did not make the final roster.

Portugal is placed in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo. The team will kick off the tournament against Congo on June 17 in Houston.

Martínez described Portugal as a potential title candidate but clarified that they should not be viewed as one of the favorites.

“The World Cup isn’t merely about playing well or having talent; numerous challenges lie ahead. I think only teams with previous World Cup victories can be considered favorites. We embrace the pressure, but ‘candidate’ is a more fitting term for our current moment,” he remarked.

Portugal secured the 2025 Nations League title by overcoming host Germany in the semifinals and defeating Spain in the final.

“With the talent and spirit of our group, we have every right to dream,” Martínez added. “Yes, we can dream and be candidates, but not favorites.”

Portugal will begin its preparations on June 1, featuring warm-up matches against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 before traveling to the United States on June 12.

Portugal’s Squad For FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)

Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), João Félix (Al Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon).