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February 26, 2026
Portugal will arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a deep and balanced squad, but one name still defines the conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo. Even at this stage of his career, his role cannot be ignored...
The spine of Portugal’s squad looks strong and well-defined. Vitinha sets the rhythm from deep areas and keeps the ball moving with control. Bruno Fernandes operates further forward, connecting midfield and attack through sharp passing and intelligent late runs into the box. Bernardo Silva brings balance between the lines, constantly offering angles and working in tight spaces. At the back, Rúben Dias leads with authority and keeps the defensive shape compact. In goal, Diogo Costa has developed into a dependable figure who handles high-pressure matches with calm decision-making.
Cristiano Ronaldo - More than you know
The team reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and lifted the Nations League in both 2019 and 2025. There is rhythm in how they control matches and patience in how they wait for openings.
In the group stage, Portugal are widely expected to finish first. Group K includes the winner of the inter-confederation playoff (DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia), along with Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Looking at the bigger picture, however, Portugal are not among the very top outright contenders. According to sports betting sites selected by Irishluck, a well-known reference point for sportsbook analysis in Ireland and across Europe, Portugal are listed at 12/1 to win the tournament. Spain sit above them as the leading favourite, followed by England, France, Brazil, and Argentina.
Cristiano Ronaldo no longer plays the same role he did a decade ago, yet his importance has not faded. He made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has since appeared in five editions of the tournament.
Roberto Martínez has been clear about how he sees him now. Ronaldo operates as a central striker who lives inside the penalty area, reading movement early and attacking space with precision. The emphasis is on timing rather than volume.
Martínez has also stressed that selection depends on commitment. In that regard, Ronaldo has given no reason for doubt. Teammates still point to the way he trains, how he prepares his body, and how seriously he treats every session. Younger players watch closely. His daily habits set a standard that does not need speeches.
Experience shows in small details. Ronaldo has played knockout football at every level and understands how matches change after the hour mark, when legs tire, and decisions slow down.
In tight contests, that awareness becomes valuable. He knows when to stay patient and when to attack the first post. He rarely wastes energy on unnecessary movement.
Portugal’s attack, however, does not revolve around him alone. With Bruno Fernandes supplying passes, Bernardo Silva drifting between lines, and wide players stretching the pitch, Ronaldo can focus on finishing phases.
That structure reduces the physical burden on him while keeping his strengths central to the plan. Martínez has rotated forwards in recent windows, adjusting shape depending on the opponent. Ronaldo fits into that system as a reference point rather than a one-man solution.
Ronaldo’s presence guarantees scrutiny. Training sessions draw cameras. Press conferences circle back to him, even when the topic is tactical. That level of focus can create pressure, yet it also sharpens the group. Portugal rarely walk into a stadium unnoticed when he is on the team sheet.
Opponents prepare differently as well. Defenders closely track his movement and often pay extra attention inside the box. His reputation still shapes how matches are framed before a ball is kicked.
Time changes every player. Ronaldo now operates mainly as a central striker, conserving energy and choosing moments carefully. Managing his minutes will be important, especially in a tournament with short recovery windows. Sharpness matters more than volume.
Portugal’s group will demand focus from the first whistle. Colombia bring physical strength and threat from set pieces. Uzbekistan play with discipline and tempo, capable of unsettling sides that switch off. The playoff winner, whoever emerges, will treat the match as an opportunity to define their campaign. Rotation and timing will be key decisions for Martínez.
A deep run would underline the value of experience within a squad that also includes players in their prime. Portugal have come close before, often falling in tight matches decided by small margins. This group has the balance to push further if performances align at the right time.
For Ronaldo, every major tournament now carries added meaning. His role may have changed since earlier years, but his influence within the squad remains evident.
Portugal arrive with quality across the pitch and a manager who understands tournament football. With discipline and clarity in key moments, they have the tools to compete deep into the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on February 28, against Al Fayha, for the Saudi Pro League. You can watch Al Fayha vs Al Nassr, Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa, Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski, Leeds vs Manchester City, Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce and VfB Stuttgart vs Celtic, all matches provided from our streaming football game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Fayha vs Al Nassr kick-off time (28-02-2026):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 01:30
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 23:00
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+3: 20:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 18:30
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 17:30
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:30
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 13:30
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 10:30
Sources: ronaldo7.net / bbc.com / uefa.com
