Ronaldo gets another shot at World Cup glory

At 41, the Portuguese legend has one final chance to win football's biggest prize.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and skills of a soccer player, with vibrant red and green colors representing the Portuguese national team's uniform.At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo's final chance to capture the World Cup trophy he's long coveted.Houston Today

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, is set to compete in his sixth and likely final FIFA World Cup at the age of 41. Despite recent injury setbacks, Ronaldo is expected to be included in Portugal's squad as they aim to capture their first World Cup title.

Why it matters

Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with a record-breaking 143 goals for the Portuguese national team. This World Cup represents his last chance to add a World Cup trophy to his already impressive list of accolades, which includes 5 Ballon d'Or awards.

The details

Ronaldo recently suffered a hamstring injury while playing for his club side Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, but is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup. Portugal are drawn in Group K, alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo. The team suffered a setback during qualifying with a 2-0 loss to Ireland, in which Ronaldo was sent off for elbowing an opponent.

  • Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006.
  • Portugal reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Morocco.
  • Portugal's first match of the 2026 World Cup is on June 17 against Congo in Houston, Texas.

The players

Cristiano Ronaldo

A 41-year-old Portuguese footballer and one of the greatest players of all time, with a record-breaking 143 goals for the national team.

Roberto Martínez

The current manager of the Portuguese national team.

Bruno Fernandes

A Manchester United midfielder and key player for the Portuguese national team.

João Neves

A rising star playing for Paris Saint-Germain and the Portuguese national team.

Diogo Jota

A Portuguese footballer who tragically passed away in a car crash shortly after Portugal's Nations League triumph.

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What they’re saying

“This tournament will 'definitely' be my last World Cup.”

— Cristiano Ronaldo

What’s next

Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup will be announced in the coming weeks, with Ronaldo's inclusion being closely watched. If selected, the 41-year-old will have one final chance to capture the elusive World Cup trophy and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

The takeaway

Cristiano Ronaldo's quest for a first World Cup title is a compelling storyline heading into the 2026 tournament. Despite his advanced age and recent injury setbacks, the Portuguese legend remains determined to add the one major trophy missing from his illustrious career.