Cristiano Ronaldo heads to his sixth World Cup

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has announced the final squad for the 2026 World Cup. The list includes 41-year-old captain Cristiano Ronaldo. If he takes the pitch, he will set a historic record by participating in his sixth tournament. This is reported by Goal.com .

Martinez emphasized that Ronaldo's importance to the team goes beyond the pitch, extending to the locker room as well. According to the coach, Cristiano remains a highly competitive player who meets top-tier demands.

At the same time, there were unexpected changes in the squad. Despite performing well for their clubs, midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Joao Palhinha were left out of the final 27-man roster.

Roberto Martinez noted that the World Cup is not just a collection of talented players, but a competition under immense psychological pressure. He highlighted that, beyond individual skill, mental stability and responsibility are crucial for the team's success.