Cristiano Ronaldo's Impact on Portugal's World Cup 2026 Aspirations

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Portugal's manager Roberto Martinez underscores the pivotal role of Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his age. With a remarkable record in the qualifiers, Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire the national team. Martinez highlights the importance of experience, talent, and attitude in team selection, ensuring a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents. This article delves into Ronaldo's impact on Portugal's preparations and the team's vision for the future, making it a must-read for football enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 02:11 IST

Ronaldo's Role as Portugal Prepares for World Cup 2026

Lisbon, Portugal - December 24: Roberto Martinez, the manager of the Portuguese national football team, emphasized the vital role of 40-year-old striker Cristiano Ronaldo as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. He described Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of excellence as "contagious."

The Al Nassr forward, who netted five goals in five appearances during the World Cup qualifiers, helped his team secure the top position in their group with four wins out of six matches. However, he missed the final qualifier due to a suspension following a red card in a 2-0 defeat against Ireland.

Initially, it seemed Ronaldo would miss at least one match in the upcoming World Cup, but FIFA has decided to suspend the last two games of his three-match ban. This means he will be available for Portugal's Group K opener in Houston on June 17 next year.

Martinez highlighted three key factors—experience, talent, and attitude—that guide his selection process. Despite turning 41 by the time the World Cup kicks off, Ronaldo continues to meet these criteria in the eyes of his coach.

"We constantly evaluate three pillars: talent, experience, and the attitude he brings to the Selecao," Martinez stated in an interview with a Media House. "His relentless self-demand to contribute is what keeps him on the roster. His desire to excel is infectious. Scoring 25 goals in 30 matches as a striker illustrates his significant contribution to the national team," he added.

Since taking over from Fernando Santos in January 2023, Martinez is nearing the completion of his three-year tenure with the national team. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, "I aim to make decisions that will benefit us for the next 20 years. It's a responsibility we carry. We've played 36 matches, achieving a commendable balance and consistency."

Martinez also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in team selection, noting, "At the national level, you only have three days to prepare for a match. It doesn't make sense to overhaul the entire squad of 23 players, as it disrupts core concepts. We've retained committed, experienced players who are passionate about representing the national team, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, Ruben Dias, and Cristiano Ronaldo."

Moreover, he acknowledged the emergence of new talents who are making their mark: Vitinha, Joao Neves, Chico Conceicao, Pedro Neto, and Renato Veiga. "Portugal's youth football is exceptional and serves as a model for other nations. With a population of 11 million, we consistently produce 3-4 top-tier players each year," he concluded.