Cristiano Ronaldo suffers injury blow in 2026 World Cup hopes

Cristiano Ronaldo is targeting a sixth World Cup appearance this summer with Portugal, in what is likely to be his one of his last appearances at a major international tournament.

The Manchester United legend, who won several Premier League titles with the club, has had a long and successful club career with titles across a range of countries including England, Spain, and Italy.

For Portugal, this success has continued with two UEFA Nations League victories and a European Championship title in 2016.

But, a World Cup has always alluded Ronaldo with his last attempt, at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, ending at the quarter-finals stage against Morocco.

His hopes of making this summer’s tournament in North America appeared high with six goal contributions in his last five games for Al-Nassr.

These hopes now look faded with Ronaldo’s hamstring injury, which he sustained in late February, meaning that he has missed out on selection for the latest Portugal squad, which is the last before the official squad selection for the World Cup.

Roberto Martinez commented on this decision with him stating: “We have players who are not ready. We have Ruben Dias, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nelson Semedo, players who are not medically fit.

“Everything Cristiano has done physically this season shows that he’s in great shape.”

Both Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were selected for the Portugal squad, which will face Mexico and the United States of America.

Ronaldo’s absence leaves a hole in the heart of the Portuguese team which could impact the team in the upcoming games.

But, with Martinez adding that it is “a minor muscle injury,” hopes will be high that the 41-year-old will recover in time and will be able to regain form for the upcoming World Cup games this summer.