There are few names in the history of football as reputable as Cristiano Ronaldo, whose illustrious career is among the most impressive of all. Despite winning numerous league titles, Champions League trophies and the European Championship with Portugal, there is one piece of the puzzle missing to complete Ronaldo’s career. Portugal and Ronaldo are yet to win the World Cup, and with him being 41, it is undoubtedly his last shot at glory. As anticipation for the tournament grows and conversations around team selections, favourites and football betting continue to develop, many supporters will be watching closely to see whether Ronaldo can finally lift the one major trophy that has eluded him.
Portugal’s Growing Strength
Approaching the tournament, Portugal are one of the most balanced squads in international football, with quality across the defence, midfield, and attack. The side is composed of an interesting mix of experienced veterans who have experienced numerous knockout competitions, and younger talents full of energy. This mix is a proven model of success, with the experienced figures leading the younger energetic talents through fixtures.
Coming off his finest performance with Manchester United at club level, Bruno Fernandes will be essential to any success Portugal experiences. Bruno Fernandes has a unique ability to create chances for his teammates, achieving an incredible number of assists in the Premier League, whilst also contributing goals himself. Also expected to line up in the attack is Rafael Leao, who possesses incredible speed and unpredictability on the left wing. With players such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and others in the attack, Ronaldo no longer needs to carry the attack by himself and has other players who can contribute.
Whilst the attack is frightening, the Portugal national team also features a defence full of quality, with impressive depth. The defence is expected to be full of some of the best defenders across Europe, including the likes of Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias, and more.
Ronaldo’s Changing Role
As Ronaldo has matured, his game has changed significantly from his younger days, when he relied on physical attributes such as pace; now, it is much slower. In the early years of his career, Ronaldo was a traditional left winger, cutting inside with incredible dribbling and explosive skill moves to beat his man one-on-one. As he has gotten older, he has transitioned to a striker, whose game is centred on positioning, footballing intelligence, and clinical finishing. With these attributes still being incredibly valuable, Ronaldo’s role remains important, not only for Al-Nassr at club level, but also for Portugal.
With the World Cup a short tournament, this may help Ronaldo’s ageing self, as the limited number of fixtures will take less of a toll on his body. For Portugal, Ronaldo will still be incredibly valuable, acting as a leader for the younger figures in the squad, and also still holding exceptional class on the field. His movement will be eternally dangerous, with swift movement inside the box able to get space to capitalise on crosses.
Managing his fitness at the World Cup will be essential to Portugal's success. The staff surrounding the Portuguese national team must balance Ronaldo’s playing minutes, whilst also ensuring that recovery is prioritised after games.
Experience Could Make The Difference
There are few players who have participated in as many knockout tournaments as Ronaldo has, with his career surrounded by international and domestic competitions. As a result, Ronaldo has gained experience in participating in these tournaments and will understand the scrutiny surrounding them.
For inexperienced players, these major tournaments can create immense pressure that can affect even the most talented players if they do not know how to handle it. Ronaldo will be more than capable of handling the pressure in the World Cup, with a history of winning and participating at the highest level. Additionally, Ronaldo's experience can help guide younger figures in the team through the pressurised situations.
In recent years, his leadership has become extremely valuable to Portugal, often leading the line as the national team's captain. Achieving greatness in the World Cup requires exceptional teamwork, which can be cultivated under Ronaldo’s leadership.
Despite never winning the World Cup, Portugal have experienced triumph in recent history, winning the Euros in 1016. Ronaldo was part of this squad, alongside other players expected to return for the 2026 World Cup, which will prove important during the tournament. Portugal have showcased that they have what it takes to win an international tournament, with their experience proving incredibly valuable.
The Challenge From Rival Nations
The World Cup is the ultimate trophy in football, with the best nations from around the world coming together, each dreaming of winning the tournament. Several nations enter the World Cup with squads full of elite-level talent, the most notable among them being teams from across Europe and South America.
Spain emerge as favourites for the World Cup, coming off the back of their victory in the Euros in 2024. The Spanish national team is full of quality, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal leading the attack for the one-time World Cup winners. Spain also have other world-class talents, with Pedri and former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri lining up in the midfield. If Portugal were to win the World Cup, overcoming the challenge of neighbours Spain would be essential.
Argentina are the reigning World Cup champions, having won the tournament in 2022. It is also expected to be the last World Cup for Ronaldo’s ever-present rival, Messi, who will be looking to win his second World Cup title.
Another notable challenge Portugal may face is France, who have achieved greatness in the World Cup as of late, including their triumph in 2018. In the previous World Cup, France were runners-up and will be looking for revenge. Kylian Mbappe is the star man for France, who, despite his young age, is already the 6th top scorer in the history of the tournament, and will be looking to work his way up the rankings.
Final Thoughts
Whilst there is undoubtedly expected to be sufficient challenge for the 2026 World Cup, Portugal and Ronaldo have an incredible chance to win their first title. The squad is exceptionally well composed, with a unique mix of fresh young talent and experienced figures such as Ronaldo, which has proven successful. All in all, Portugal will require exceptional focus and team spirit to achieve success in this tournament, which, led by Ronaldo, seems possible.