Portugal World Cup 2026 Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo Headlines 27-member Squad, Check Full List of Players

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to take centre stage for Portugal once again as the 41-year-old prepares for an astonishing 12th major international tournament after being picked for the World Cup 2026 squad.

Operating as the talisman for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, Ronaldo's place in the national team was never really in doubt. While he faced criticism for ineffective displays at Euro 2024 two years ago, he rebounded impressively to perform far better during Portugal's UEFA Nations League triumph last year under manager Roberto Martinez.

Maintaining peak physical condition at 41 requires meticulous preparation, and barring any late injuries, Ronaldo is set to achieve a monumental milestone in the coming weeks. He will become the first male footballer to ever appear at six World Cups. He could be joined in this historic achievement by his longtime rival Lionel Messi, provided the Argentine is called up for his sixth appearance by his respective national team. Ronaldo will be laser-focused on his own game, eyeing the unprecedented record of becoming the first man to score in six different World Cups.

Manager Roberto Martinez officially named Ronaldo as part of an initial 27-man Portugal group for this summer's tournament. The squad boasts a formidable core, featuring established stars like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes. Martinez has also included a few surprises, recalling Real Sociedad forward Goncalo Guedes after a four-year absence and selecting four-times-capped Mallorca defensive midfielder Samuel Costa. Four goalkeepers have been called up for the initial group, with one due to be cut ahead of the final deadline.

Portugal World Cup 2026 squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting CP), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi, on loan from Farense)

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Barcelona, on loan from Al Hilal), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Tomas Araujo (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Rafael Leao (Milan), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)

The selection process saw several high-profile absentees. Joao Palhinha, Mateus Fernandes, and Benfica defender Antonio Silva missed the final cut, alongside forwards Paulinho, Pedro Goncalves, and Ricardo Horta. The finalized squad will look to navigate Group K, where they have been drawn against Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. Before the tournament begins, Portugal will finalize their preparations with home friendlies against Chile on June 6th and Nigeria on June 10th.

Despite his undisputed place among the game's greatest players and a glittering international resume that includes UEFA Nations League and European Championship successes, the ultimate prize remains elusive.

Furthermore, Ronaldo has yet to score a single goal in the knockout stage of the sport's biggest competition. As he gears up for what will be his sixth World Cup, he has one final opportunity to capture the only major trophy missing from his legendary cabinet and finally net in the knockout rounds.