Will Cristiano Ronaldo participate in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is approaching and will feature the largest tournament in the competition’s history, with 48 teams from around the globe set to compete across North America. As always, fans are eager not only for the battle for the trophy but also for the performances of football’s biggest stars on the world stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo is often the first name that comes to mind when supporters think about iconic players at the World Cup. Yet with the Portuguese forward set to be 41 and having dealt with injuries in recent years, questions remain about his future in international football. Will Cristiano Ronaldo participate in the 2026 World Cup? In this article, soccer24 takes a closer look.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo participate in the 2026 World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of appearing at the 2026 World Cup have recently been questioned after the Portuguese star picked up an injury during Al Nassr’s Saudi Professional League match against Al Fayha. The game, played at Al Majma'ah Sports City in Majmaah, ended in a 3-1 victory for Jorge Jesus’ side. However, Ronaldo was forced to leave the pitch in the 81st minute after seemingly suffering a muscle problem.

Early reports suggest the 41 year old forward could be sidelined for around two to four weeks. The timeline should allow him to recover before the World Cup begins, but the incident has still raised concern among fans who hope to see him make one final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Many supporters view the upcoming tournament as Ronaldo’s potential “last dance” at the World Cup, with some even dreaming of a title run. Their optimism is partly driven by the current strength of Portugal’s squad, which is considered one of the country’s most talented generations in recent years.

Portugal now have a group of younger players capable of delivering high intensity performances. Their energy and attacking quality offer strong options for head coach Roberto Martínez. Because of this depth, selecting the final squad for the tournament could become a difficult decision. Ronaldo’s experience and leadership remain valuable, and Martínez has previously described him as a great example for younger players in the national team.

Ronaldo himself has already hinted that the 2026 tournament could mark the end of his remarkable international career. Speaking at a tourism forum in Saudi Arabia near the end of 2025, the Portuguese forward confirmed that the next World Cup is likely to be his final one.

“Definitely yes,” he said when asked if the 2026 edition would be his last. “I’ll be 41, and I think that will be the moment.”

During the same event, Ronaldo also reflected on how quickly time passes in football.

“Soon for me means in 10 years … No, I’m joking,” he said during a video call at a Saudi hosted global summit on tourism and investment.

“I’m really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick.

“I feel very good in this moment. I score goals; I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

Portugal qualified for the tournament after a strong campaign in UEFA qualifying throughout 2025, finishing top of their group and confirming their status as one of Europe’s most consistent sides. Ronaldo remained a regular starter during the campaign and continued to play a decisive role, scoring important goals including headers and penalties.

The veteran striker has also extended his record as the all time leading scorer in men’s international football. He has made 226 appearances for Portugal and scored 143 goals. Ronaldo also holds the distinction of being the first and only male player to score in five different World Cup tournaments, having found the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal were placed in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and the winner of Play off 1. Martínez’s side are widely seen as the favourites to top the group. Nevertheless, a revitalised Colombia and a well organised Uzbekistan mean Portugal will still need to stay focused from the opening match.

List of World Cup 2026 tables

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Play-off D Winner

Group B: Canada, Play-off A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Play-off C Winner

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Play-off B Winner, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, Play-off 2 Winner, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Play-off 1 Winner

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

“Will Cristiano Ronaldo participate in the 2026 World Cup” has recently become a hot topic, and soccer24.net has taken a closer look at the question.

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