Ronaldo leads Portugal's 2026 World Cup bid despite selection debate

41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's captain for the 2026 World Cup, sparking debate about whether his presence helps or hinders the team's chances. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, now playing for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, holds the men's international goalscoring record with 143 strikes and will become the first player to feature in a record sixth World Cup.

Portugal begins their campaign against DR Congo on June 17, before facing Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 28. Coach Roberto Martinez insists Ronaldo earns his place on merit, highlighting the 'inspiring mindset' of the veteran who operates now as a centre-forward rather than the flying winger of his youth.

The debate intensified after Ronaldo failed to score in Euro 2024, though Portugal won the 2025 Nations League with Ronaldo scoring in the final. Teammates like Bruno Fernandes and PSG midfielder Vitinta remain supportive, with the latter calling Ronaldo 'one of the greatest players in history' and expressing hope they can win the World Cup with him.

With Portugal arguably having their strongest-ever squad, will Ronaldo's experience and leadership outweigh the concerns about team fluidity without him?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/30/ronaldos-final-bid-for-world-cup-glory/