Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in FIFA World Cup 2026? Portugal’s full squad, schedule and more

Cristiano Ronaldo is heading back to the World Cup one more time. Portugal confirmed the 41-year-old in Roberto Martinez’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, setting up what will almost certainly become the final World Cup appearance of one of football’s defining figures. For Ronaldo, the tournament carries a different kind of weight now. The records are already there. The trophies are stacked high. Only the World Cup remains missing.Ronaldo remains central to that ambition despite entering the closing years of his career. The Al-Nassr forward already owns the men’s records for international appearances and goals, and this summer, he could become the first player ever to score across six separate World Cups.Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being officially selected in Portugal’s squad by Roberto Martinez. The Portugal coach made it clear that Ronaldo’s role extends beyond reputation alone."When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players," Martínez said. "We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players, the competitiveness to be in the national team. Our captain is an example. We want him to continue with the same level of responsibility and leadership inside the locker room."The tournament also carries emotional significance for Portugal following the death of Diogo Jota in a car crash last year. Martinez described Jota as a permanent part of the squad while announcing his final selections."The final list includes 27 names plus one," Martínez said. "To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment. But the next day it was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo Jota's dream and for the example that he was in our national team."Portugal’s squad blends experienced stars with younger attacking talent. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Vitinha and Joao Neves all arrive after strong club seasons, while defenders Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes are expected to anchor the back line.Portugal’s provisional squad includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, Vitinha, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Joao Cancelo and Goncalo Ramos among the headline names. Roberto Martinez also included four goalkeepers, with Ricardo Velho travelling as emergency cover.Portugal team overviewPortugal’s full squadPortugal will open their Group K campaign against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston. They remain in Houston to face Uzbekistan on June 23 before travelling to Miami Gardens for their final group-stage match against Colombia on June 27.Before the tournament begins, Portugal will also play warm-up friendlies against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 as preparations continue for what could become Ronaldo’s final attempt to win football’s biggest prize.