Ronaldo, 41, named for sixth World Cup as Portugal list 27-man squad

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, named Cristiano Ronaldo in a 27-man selection for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, confirming the 41-year-old’s sixth appearance at the tournament. Martinez described the list as “27 players plus one,” a symbolic gesture in memory of the late Diogo Jota. The coach also confirmed that a fourth goalkeeper will travel with the group as a training option under FIFA rules.

Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, will report to a training base in Palm Beach, Florida, before opening their Group K campaign. The expanded selection gives Martinez flexibility ahead of the final registration, with one training goalkeeper only eligible to be added in the event of an injury to one of the three registered keepers.

Explaining the balance of the group, Martinez pointed to the competition’s logistical demands — weather, travel and time zones — to justify carrying extra cover in specific roles. He emphasized the need for depth at fullback and highlighted the versatility available across the squad.

Portugal name 27-man list with symbolic +1

Depth at goalkeeper and fullback for logistics

Martinez included four goalkeepers, with Ricardo Velho of Genclerbirligi Ankara traveling as the fourth-choice. He reiterated that FIFA regulations allow a goalkeeper replacement only in case of injury during the tournament, underscoring Velho’s primary function as a training option. The coach also selected five fullbacks, citing the need for more than two players per position in a month-long event.

The squad blends experience and attacking options. Martinez referenced creators such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix operating between the lines, while Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao offer width. He also noted the adaptability of Joao Cancelo and Diogo Dalot in defensive roles, adding another layer of cover in wide areas.

Ronaldo’s inclusion extends a landmark international career into a sixth World Cup, providing leadership and a focal point in attack. The forward remains a central figure around whom Martinez can rotate profiles, with additional striking options available to vary the team’s approach.

Fixtures and preparation in the U.S.

Group K schedule and warm-ups

Portugal open Group K against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17 in Houston. They remain in Houston to face Uzbekistan on June 23 before concluding the group phase against Colombia in Miami on June 27. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the three host nations.

In the lead-up, Portugal play warm-up matches against Chile on June 6 in Oeiras and Nigeria on June 10 in Leiria. The team must be at their Palm Beach training camp at least five days before their opener, in line with tournament requirements.

Portugal enter the World Cup with expectations shaped by recent success in the Nations League and a deep pool of talent. The expanded traveling party provides Martinez with cover to manage loads across a demanding schedule, while final registration choices and form in the friendlies will shape the XI for the opening match.

Attention now turns to the two tune-up games and the final adjustments in Florida, where Portugal will refine roles before beginning their Group K campaign in Houston on June 17.