Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of football’s most enduring figures, with fans and analysts alike wondering if the Portuguese superstar will extend his legendary career to appear at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite turning 40 in February 2025, Ronaldo continues to show remarkable fitness and scoring ability, fueling speculation about his participation in the North American tournament.
Recent reports suggest he has clear intentions to represent Portugal in what would be his sixth World Cup appearance, though age and competition for places present significant challenges.
Ronaldo’s Current Status and Recent Performances
As of April 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo remains an active player for both his club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. At 40 years old, many expected his career to be winding down, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy expectations and conventional wisdom about athletic longevity.
Recent International Appearances
Ronaldo was included in Portugal’s squad for the March 2025 international break, participating in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal matches against Denmark. His inclusion demonstrates that national team coach Roberto Martinez still values his contributions, even as Ronaldo approaches his fifth decade of life.
The Portuguese captain has remained productive in international competition. During the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League group stage, Ronaldo appeared in five of Portugal’s six matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist, helping his team secure first place in their group. These statistics show that even in his 40s, Ronaldo maintains his goal-scoring instincts at the international level.
Club Performance
At club level, Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr has not diminished his goal-scoring prowess. As of March 2025, he had scored 28 goals and provided 4 assists in 33 matches across all competitions for Al-Nassr. This impressive output suggests that Ronaldo remains capable of performing at a high level.
His 2023 club campaign was particularly remarkable, with 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 games across competitions. He finished 2023 as the highest scorer in world football, demonstrating that his move to Saudi Arabia has not diminished his ability to find the back of the net consistently.
Reports of Ronaldo’s 2026 World Cup Ambitions
Several credible reports indicate that Ronaldo aims to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the fact he will be 41 years old when the tournament begins.
Media Reports
According to Relevo, Ronaldo wants to continue playing at the highest level and has set his sights on appearing in the World Cup in 2026. This report emerged even as Ronaldo himself hinted at the twilight of his career, saying: “I don’t have many years left in football… so, I have to enjoy it.”
Another report from Manchester Evening News indicates that Ronaldo’s “principled position” is not to retire internationally and to continue with Portugal through the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The report suggests that Ronaldo dreams of concluding his career by winning the World Cup, believing that even at 41, he can contribute to Portugal winning the title for the first time.
Expert Opinions
Former Portugal coaches have expressed confidence in Ronaldo’s ability to participate in the 2026 tournament. Luiz Felipe Scolari, who coached Portugal from 2003 to 2008, stated: “It’s been a very good year. I was in Saudi Arabia recently and spoke with Cristiano. He has developed everything to keep up his condition and he will be in a position for Roberto [Martínez] to call him up.”
Similarly, Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to Euro 2016 victory, expressed absolute confidence in Ronaldo’s participation, saying: “I always expected him to be at a high level until late in his career and I have no doubt whatsoever that he will be at the World Cup. He will give his all to win another title for Portugal. He is the best player in the world, period.”
Factors Supporting Ronaldo’s Potential Participation
Several factors suggest that Ronaldo could indeed represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, despite his advanced age for a professional footballer.
Physical Condition and Longevity
Ronaldo is renowned for his exceptional physical condition and dedication to maintaining peak fitness. His rigorous training regimen, careful diet, and recovery protocols have allowed him to extend his career far beyond what many expected.
As Diogo Dalot, his Portugal teammate, noted: “It’s hard to find new words to describe Cristiano. For me and for everyone in the squad, it’s an honor and a privilege to keep sharing moments with him, learning from his experience, and absorbing his knowledge of the game.”
Continued Goal-Scoring Ability
Despite his age, Ronaldo maintains an impressive goal-scoring record at both club and international levels. His ability to find the net consistently makes him a valuable asset for Portugal, even as he enters his 40s. This continued productivity suggests that Ronaldo could still contribute meaningfully to Portugal’s attack in 2026.
Contract Situation and Career Plans
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr extends until the summer of 2025, and negotiations for a one-year extension are reportedly underway. This timeline aligns perfectly with the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that Ronaldo’s career plans include the tournament as a potential capstone to his illustrious career.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the positive indicators, several challenges could impact Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Age-Related Decline
At 41, Ronaldo would be one of the oldest outfield players ever to participate in a World Cup. Even with his exceptional physical condition, the natural decline that comes with age could affect his speed, stamina, and recovery time. These factors might limit his effectiveness in a tournament format that demands peak performance across multiple matches in a short timeframe.
Competition for Places
Portugal continues to produce talented attackers who could challenge Ronaldo for a place in the squad. As these younger players develop and gain experience, the national team coach may face difficult decisions about squad selection. Ronaldo might need to accept a reduced role to remain part of the team.
Evolution of Playing Style
As noted by some observers of Portugal’s performances in Euro 2024, Ronaldo’s playing style and reduced mobility sometimes affected the team’s tactical approach. For Ronaldo to maintain his place in the squad, he might need to adapt his game further to complement Portugal’s tactical needs.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Format
The 2026 World Cup will feature several innovations that make it a potentially attractive target for Ronaldo’s final international tournament.
Expanded Format
The 2026 World Cup will expand to include 48 teams, up from the 32 that participated in Qatar 2022. This expansion means there will be 104 matches played throughout the tournament, compared to 64 in previous editions. The format will feature 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-place teams advancing to a new Round of 32.
Host Nations and Venues
The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time three countries have shared hosting duties. The United States will provide 11 venues, while Canada will have 2 and Mexico will have 3. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Tournament Schedule
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the opening match at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca. The schedule has been designed to minimize travel for teams and fans, with matches organized in three regionalized zones (east, central, and west).
Ronaldo’s Potential Role in 2026
If Ronaldo does participate in the 2026 World Cup, his role might differ from his traditional position as Portugal’s focal point in attack.
Possible Playing Roles
Given his age and the evolution of his playing style, Ronaldo might serve as an impact substitute rather than starting every match. His goal-scoring instinct and big-game experience could be valuable in specific situations, such as when Portugal needs a late goal.
Alternatively, if Ronaldo can adapt his game to compensate for any loss of pace or stamina, he might still feature in the starting lineup but with more defined tactical responsibilities that maximize his strengths and minimize his limitations.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond his on-field contributions, Ronaldo’s experience and leadership could prove invaluable to a Portugal squad that might include several younger players in their first World Cup. As captain, Ronaldo could provide guidance and inspiration, helping to create a positive team environment.
What Ronaldo Has Said About His Future
Ronaldo himself has offered some insights into his thinking about retirement and his future in football.
In June 2024, before Euro 2024, Ronaldo acknowledged the limited time remaining in his career, saying: “I don’t have many years left in football… so, I have to enjoy it. I’m in love with football. Every game is special, imagine at the Euros with Portugal, you feel proud… it’s a dream, like when I was 20.”
More recently, according to a YouTube report, Ronaldo has opened up about his retirement plans, indicating that he is “not done yet” and will continue to play for two or three more years. This timeframe would encompass the 2026 World Cup.
Regarding his eventual departure from the national team, Ronaldo has stated: “When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well-thought-out one.”
FAQs
1. How old will Cristiano Ronaldo be during the 2026 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was born on February 5, 1985, and the tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
2. Has Ronaldo confirmed he will play in the 2026 World Cup?
Ronaldo has not officially confirmed his participation in the 2026 World Cup. However, multiple reports indicate his desire to play, and he has stated he plans to continue his career for two to three more years, which would include the 2026 tournament.
3. What do Ronaldo’s former coaches say about his chances of playing in 2026?
Former Portugal coaches like Luiz Felipe Scolari and Fernando Santos have expressed confidence that Ronaldo will play in the 2026 World Cup. Santos stated he has “no doubt whatsoever” that Ronaldo will be at the tournament.
4. Will Ronaldo still be playing club football in 2026?
Ronaldo’s current contract with Al-Nassr extends until 2025, and negotiations for a one-year extension are reportedly underway. If these negotiations are successful, he would be under contract during the 2026 World Cup.
5. Has any outfield player ever participated in a World Cup at age 41?
While several goalkeepers have played in World Cups in their 40s, it is extremely rare for outfield players. If Ronaldo plays in 2026, he would be among the oldest outfield players ever to participate in a World Cup.
6. What would be Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad?
If selected, Ronaldo might serve as an impact substitute rather than starting every match, or he could have a more defined tactical role that maximizes his strengths. He would also provide valuable leadership and experience.
7. Could Ronaldo break more records at the 2026 World Cup?
If Ronaldo plays in 2026, he would become the first player to appear in six World Cup tournaments. He could also extend his record as international football’s all-time top scorer.
8. How many World Cup goals has Ronaldo scored so far?
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 8 goals across his five World Cup appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022).
9. What has Roberto Martinez said about Ronaldo’s future with Portugal?
Current Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has not made definitive statements about Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. After Euro 2024, Martinez indicated that decisions about player futures would be “collective rather than individual.”
10. Where will the 2026 World Cup be played?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States (11 venues), Mexico (3 venues), and Canada (2 venues). The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
