Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, commencing on June 11 across three nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Among the top contenders is Portugal, boasting an impressive roster filled with world-class talent. This tournament presents a significant opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo, as it may be his final chance to secure the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his remarkable career. Even before the tournament kicks off, Ronaldo has already set a new record in FIFA World Cup history.
With the announcement of the Portugal squad by manager Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo's inclusion was expected. This selection marks a historic moment, as he becomes the player with the most FIFA World Cup appearances, now totaling six. He surpasses the previous record held by legends such as Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthäus, and Lionel Messi, all of whom participated in five World Cups.
Players with the Most FIFA World Cup Selections
| Country | Player | Squad Selections | Played | Editions |
| Portugal | Cristiano Ronaldo | 6 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Mexico | Antonio Carbajal | 5 | 5 | 1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966 |
| Mexico | Andrés Guardado | 5 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| Germany | Lothar Matthäus | 5 | 5 | 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998 |
| Mexico | Rafael Márquez | 5 | 5 | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 |
| Argentina | Lionel Messi | 5 | 5 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| Italy | Gianluigi Buffon | 5 | 4 | 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 |
| Japan | Yuto Nagatomo | 5 | 4 | 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, (2026) |
| Croatia | Luka Modrić | 5 | 4 | 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, (2026) |
| Mexico | Guillermo Ochoa | 5 | 3 | 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
Tribute to Diogo Jota
Portugal's Heartfelt Gesture For Diogo Jota
In a somber moment, the Portuguese squad also paid tribute to Diogo Jota, a key player who tragically lost his life in a car accident before the start of the 2025/26 season. During the squad announcement, manager Roberto Martinez expressed that they would include 27 players plus one, honoring Jota's legacy. "The final list includes 27 names plus one. Losing Diogo Jota was an unforgettable and challenging moment. However, it became our responsibility to strive for his dream and embody the spirit he represented in our national team. He will always be our plus one," Martinez stated.
Portugal's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Portugal Squad For FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca)Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), João Félix (Al Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon).