With Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal is called up for the World Cup; see list

Coach Roberto Martínez announced this Tuesday (19) the Portugal national team call-up for the 2026 World Cup. With no major surprises in the list of 27 names, the team will once again be led by the veteran Cristiano Ronaldowho will make history by competing in the World Cup for sixth time — an absolute record in football.

Currently at Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star arrives at the tournament as the greatest scorer in the history of men’s national teamswith 143 goals. Despite impressive individual achievements, Ronaldo and Portugal continue to look for the unreleased title.

The competition on the American continent could provide another chapter in the historic rivalry with Lionel Messi. The Argentine star, who led his team to glory in Qatar four years ago, is also preparing to compete in his sixth World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the tournament was guaranteed after the striker escaped a more severe suspension. He was at risk of being suspended for three games after being sent off in the last qualifying match, against the Republic of Ireland, after elbowing an opponent.

In addition to the captain, Spaniard Roberto Martínez’s list includes reinforcement of João FélixCR7’s current teammate at Al-Nassr. The team’s base is made up of highlights from the main European leagues, including star Bruno Fernandesfrom Manchester United, and a duo from Manchester City: Bernardo Silva e Ruben Dias. Paris Saint-Germain also gave weight to the call, being represented by Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes e Gonçalo Ramos.

In the final stretch of preparation for the World Cup, Portugal will face Chile and Nigeria in friendlies. The team is in Group K and will debut in the World Cup on June 17, against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Next, the team faces Uzbekistan and Colombia, on June 23rd and 27th, respectively.

Check out the list of Portugal’s 27 squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto-POR), José Sá (Wolverhampton-ING), Rui Silva (Sporting-POR) and Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği-TUR);

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United-ING), Matheus Nunes and Rúben Dias (Manchester City-ING), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahçe-TUR), João Cancelo (Barcelona-ESP), Nuno Mendes (PSG-FRA), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting-POR), Renato Veiga (Villarreal-ESP) and Tomás Araújo (Benfica-POR);

Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal-SAU), Samu Costa (Mallorca-ESP), João Neves e Vitinha (PSG-FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United-ING) and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City-ING);

Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix (Al-Nassr-SAU), Francisco Trincão (Sporting-POR), Francisco Conceição (Juventus-ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea-ING), Rafael Leão (Milan-ITA), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad-ESP) and Gonçalo Ramos (PSG-FRA);