Cristiano Ronaldo is set to enter what could be his final opportunity to win football’s biggest prize, the FIFA World Cup, in 2026 the one major trophy that has remained absent from an otherwise legendary career.

After more than two decades of dominating world football, the 41-year-old Portuguese star has never lifted the World Cup. Now, time may be running out for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has already achieved nearly every other honour in the game.

Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 226 appearances for Portugal, a world record in international football. Despite his remarkable consistency, the World Cup trophy has continued to elude him.

Fitness Concerns and Final Tournament Outlook

Earlier this year, while playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to miss Portugal’s friendly against the United States in Atlanta.

However, if fully fit, his inclusion in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad is widely expected. Should he feature, it would also mark his return to playing on American soil for the first time since 2014.

The tournament could also present a historic milestone, as Ronaldo may become the first male footballer to appear in six FIFA World Cups potentially alongside long-time rival Lionel Messi.

In a recent interview, Ronaldo himself stated that the 2026 edition would “definitely” be his last World Cup.

Portugal’s World Cup Journey

Portugal national football team have been drawn in a group featuring Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo, giving them a strong chance of progressing to the knockout stage.

Despite being ranked among the top five teams in the world, Portugal suffered a setback during qualifying in November when they lost 2-0 to Ireland. The match also saw Ronaldo receive a red card for an elbow challenge on a defender, leading to a two-match suspension.

Portugal responded strongly, however, sealing their qualification with a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia.

The 2026 World Cup will mark Portugal’s ninth appearance at the tournament. Their best finishes remain third place in 1966 and fourth place in 2006 — the year Ronaldo made his World Cup debut. In 2022, Portugal reached the quarter-finals before losing 1-0 to Morocco, with Ronaldo coming on as a substitute in the 51st minute.

Group Stage Fixtures and Opponents

Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against Congo, a team that has appeared in the tournament only once before in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

Colombia are expected to provide the toughest challenge in the group, led by experienced midfielder James Rodríguez. It will be Colombia’s seventh World Cup appearance, with their best performance coming in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals before losing to hosts Brazil.

Colombia will open their campaign against Uzbekistan in Mexico City, while Uzbekistan will be making their first-ever World Cup appearance.