Portugal Aims For 2026 World Cup Glory To Honour Cristiano Ronaldo

Bruno Fernandes says Portugal go into the 2026 World Cup driven by a clear target. The midfielder explains that the squad want to lift the trophy as recognition for Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on football. Portugal enter the tournament among the fancied sides and believe this campaign offers a final chance to crown Ronaldo’s long World Cup journey.

Fernandes stresses the emotional weight around Ronaldo’s likely last World Cup at 41 years old. The Manchester United player told Wayne Rooney that ending this chapter with Ronaldo successful would mean a great deal to the group. Fernandes added: "I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world."

Portugal start their 2026 World Cup schedule against DR Congo on 17 June in Group K. Uzbekistan and Colombia complete the section, where Portugal are widely expected to progress. The Opta supercomputer gives Roberto Martinez’s side a 7% chance of winning the competition. Only Spain, France, England and Argentina receive higher predicted probabilities of taking the title.

Those projections highlight Portugal as serious contenders, but also show the level of competition. Spain are rated at 16%, while France receive 12%. England and Argentina are both projected at 11%, leaving Portugal just behind that group. The Selecao therefore sit in a second tier of challengers, balancing expectation with the reality of facing several strong national teams.

Ronaldo already leads the scoring charts in international football, with 143 goals for Portugal. The forward has captained Portugal to three major titles: Euro 2016, plus Nations League victories in 2019 and 2023. Yet, despite that success in other tournaments, Portugal’s World Cup record remains modest compared with their talent and achievements elsewhere.

This year marks only Portugal’s ninth appearance at the global event. Their best World Cup finishes stay the semi-finals in 1966 and 2006. Ronaldo is set for a sixth tournament, underlining a lengthy presence on this stage. Fernandes and team-mates now hope this experienced core can finally add a World Cup trophy to Portugal’s list of honours.

Portugal’s status as reigning Nations League holders strengthens belief within the camp before the 2026 World Cup. Having twice captured that competition, and once the European Championship, the players understand what tournament success demands. For Fernandes, securing the World Cup would complete Ronaldo’s international story and provide Portugal with a historic new high point.