Quaresma Backs Portugal's World Cup Dream for New Generation

Veteran footballer believes current team can crown Cristiano Ronaldo's career with World Cup glory

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:50pm

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Ricardo Quaresma, a veteran of the Portuguese national team, believes the current squad is poised to achieve World Cup success, potentially crowning Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career with a final, monumental triumph. Quaresma emphasizes the renewed sense of hope and ambition within the team, inspired by past achievements like the Euro 2016 victory.

Why it matters

Quaresma's comments reflect a growing sentiment in Portuguese football circles - a desire to honor Ronaldo's legacy by securing a World Cup title. This adds an emotional layer to the team's already strong competitive spirit as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

The details

Quaresma, who was part of Portugal's Euro 2016 winning squad, highlights the importance of the current generation being inspired by past successes. He notes that while winning the European Championship in 2016 was a significant milestone, the World Cup remains the ultimate goal. The motivation to win the World Cup is inextricably linked to Cristiano Ronaldo's potential final appearance on the world stage, as the team is determined to send him off with a fitting send-off.

  • Portugal's journey in the 2026 World Cup begins on June 17th in a group match against the winner of an intercontinental playoff.
  • The team will then travel to Houston, Texas, to face Uzbekistan, before concluding their group stage matches in Miami against Colombia.

The players

Ricardo Quaresma

A veteran of Portuguese football who was part of Portugal's victorious Euro 2016 squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese icon, who is expected to make his final World Cup appearance in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We have already won a European title and now, the objective is to win the World Cup. I think that would be the icing on the cake, as we have always dreamed of it, but we have never achieved it.”

— Ricardo Quaresma

What’s next

Portugal's group stage schedule demands adaptability and resilience from the squad, requiring them to perform at their best across different environments and time zones.

The takeaway

Quaresma's experience from the Euro 2016 triumph provides valuable insight for the Portuguese team as they aim to crown Cristiano Ronaldo's career with a long-awaited World Cup title. The team's renewed sense of hope and ambition, combined with a desire to honor Ronaldo's legacy, could propel them to glory in the 2026 World Cup.