Portugal target first World Cup as Ronaldo enters sixth and final tournament

Portugal enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America as genuine contenders seeking a first global title. Ranked No. 5 by FIFA, the Seleção return for a seventh straight finals after their best-ever result of third place in 1966. Head coach Roberto Martinez has tempered talk of favoritism but says the group has the quality to compete at the highest level. With experience across the pitch and a deep midfield, expectations at home are high.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is set for a sixth and likely final World Cup, extending a record run of major-tournament appearances for Portugal. The captain remains the team’s all-time top scorer with 143 international goals and a central reference point in the dressing room.

Questions persist over his recent fitness and discipline — he missed March friendlies with a hamstring issue and served a one-match UEFA suspension after a red card for violent conduct in qualifying — but Martinez continues to underline his leadership and standards.

Ronaldo also has milestones in sight. He needs two goals at these finals to surpass Eusebio’s Portugal World Cup record of nine. He already holds the national mark for World Cup appearances with 22 and will aim to add to that total as he leads the line in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Midfield form underpins Portugal’s bid

Fernandes, Vitinha and Neves set the tempo

Behind the forwards, Portugal’s midfield is among the tournament’s most balanced units. Bruno Fernandes has rediscovered peak form at Manchester United, delivering a record 21 Premier League assists in his preferred No. 10 role. Alongside him, Vitinha — who finished third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or — and Joao Neves provide press resistance, control and range to dictate games, while Bernardo Silva adds creativity between the lines.

That depth allows Portugal to dominate possession and break compact defenses, an edge that could be decisive in North American venues where summer conditions will test intensity and game management. Martinez has stressed collective responsibility over individual stardom, with rotation and workload management likely across the group stage.

Team still driven by Diogo Jota’s memory

The squad also carries emotional motivation after the loss of forward Diogo Jota last summer. Martinez has spoken of Jota as a “plus one forever,” a message that resonated through qualifying and remains part of the team’s inner narrative. Players and staff have referenced honoring his example with their performances on the biggest stage.

Tournament pedigree and expectations

Seventh straight finals for a seasoned core

Portugal arrive with experience and continuity: this will be the nation’s seventh consecutive World Cup and ninth overall since their 1966 debut in England. The current core blends veterans with emerging talent, and the side’s consistency in qualifying has reinforced the view that they can mount a deep run if key figures stay healthy.

Balancing the attacking structure around Ronaldo’s movement remains a tactical question, particularly against elite opposition. Martinez has downplayed the favorite label, but confidence in the camp is evident and supported by the team’s form and individual accolades across Europe.

Portugal’s ceiling will be measured by how effectively the midfield unlocks opponents and whether the attack converts territory into goals. If those elements align, the Seleção have a credible path to challenge for the one major trophy missing from their honors list.

Portugal open their campaign later this month; managing minutes and maintaining fluency through the group stage will shape their push for a maiden World Cup title.