Cristiano Ronaldo has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He has lifted five UEFA Champions League trophies, won the UEFA European Championship with Portugal and scored more international goals than any player in football history.Yet one prize remains absent from his glittering collection.The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on Thursday, with Ronaldo preparing for a sixth appearance at the quadrennial global gathering.At 41, the Portugal captain has already admitted this will be his “Last Dance” - a final opportunity to win the trophy that has eluded him throughout a remarkable career.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Portugal has never reached a World Cup final, but there are reasons to believe that could change in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With a UEFA Champions League-winning core, Roberto Martinez’s side may be the strongest Ronaldo has played in during his 23 years with the national team.Here are five reasons why Ronaldo and Portugal could be celebrating World Cup glory in July.
Sixth time lucky for Ronaldo?
When Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006, Lionel Messi had yet to establish himself in Argentina’s starting line-up, social media was in its infancy and many of Portugal’s current squad members were still children.Twenty years later, Ronaldo is preparing for World Cup number six.Only a handful of players have ever reached that landmark. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is expected to join the club this summer, while Messi will also make his sixth appearance alongside his long-time rival. Four years ago, the Argentine finally completed football’s ultimate achievement by lifting the World Cup in Qatar. Now, Ronaldo is hoping for a similar finale. While he is no longer expected to carry Portugal on his own, the Al Nassr captain’s experience, leadership and goalscoring instincts remain invaluable. If Portugal is to make history, its captain is likely to have a significant role to play.
