Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing in the 2026 World Cup?

Last summer, Ronaldo scored in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League Final and helped Portugal win the title by defeating Spain 5–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.

After that, Ronaldo continued to play for Portugal during the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, and Portugal qualified by topping their group.

Despite his age, Ronaldo is still considered to be a key part of the Portuguese national team, and head coach Roberto Martinez is expected to bring Ronaldo to the Portugal World Cup roster.

Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Play in 2026 World Cup

With Ronaldo still active in football and with the Portuguese national team, the Portuguese legend is expected to play in the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo has shown ambition to play in the upcoming World Cup, and confirmed that 2026 will be his last of his career.

Last November, Ronaldo said, "I feel very good at this moment, I score goals. I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game. [2026 World Cup] will definitely be my last because I will be 41 years old. When I mean soon [retirement], it's really soon because I gave everything to football. I've been in the game for the last 25 years."

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez also believes that Ronaldo will play in the next World Cup and believes in his ability to be crucial for the national team.

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Ronaldo Misses March Friendlies for Portugal

With less than three months until the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo was not called up to the recent Portugal squad for the March friendly matches against Mexico and the United States.

Ronaldo is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, which is the reason why he is not included in the Portugal roster for March.

Martinez was asked if Ronaldo's participation at the 2026 World Cup is at risk after missing out on the latest Portugal squad.

"No, he is not at risk," the Portuguese head coach said. "It’s a minor muscle injury, and we believe he will recover within one to two weeks. Everything Ronaldo has done physically this season shows that he is in excellent condition.”

Portugal's Matches Before the 2026 World Cup

After the March friendly matches against Mexico and the United States, Portugal will announce the official roster for the World Cup in late May.

Before their first match in the 2026 World Cup, Portugal will play two friendly matches in early June with players from the official Portugal roster that will be revealed in May.

Portugal will play a friendly match against Chile on June 6 and will have a scheduled friendly match on June 10.

Portugal is in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the winner from FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 (DR Congo or Jamaica).

Their first game in the 2026 World Cup will be against DR Congo or Jamaica on June 17 at Houston Stadium. Their second group stage match is against Uzbekistan on June 23, also at Houston Stadium.

Their final group stage match is against Colombia on June 27, 2026, at Miami Stadium.