The 41-year-old Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a strong message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: he’s not worried about his fitness. The Portugal captain, gearing up for his record sixth World Cup appearance at 41, dismissed any concerns about his physical state and pointed to his recent performances as evidence. Often hailed as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo is still a key player in Portugal’s strategy, even as he approaches the twilight of his career. With the tournament fast approaching, the seasoned forward has made it clear that he’s ready for the challenge and is determined to help Portugal secure its first World Cup title.
Before flying to the USA for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, when Ronaldo was asked about his fitness and chances of his side in the World Cup, he said, “Physically? I’m fine, have you not seen my matches? It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard.. We’ve had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount that’s when we’ll see the true champions. We’ll only know at the end.”
His confidence is backed by impressive stats. Ronaldo had another stellar season with Al-Nassr, netting 28 goals and providing two assists in 30 matches in the Saudi Pro League. He also played in Portugal’s warm-up wins against Chile and Nigeria. Although he didn’t score in either match, his participation underscored his assertion that he’s physically primed for football’s grandest stage.
Portugal’s World Cup Fixtures
Portugal is set to kick off its Group K journey against Congo on June 17 at Houston Stadium in Houston. Following that, they’ll take on Uzbekistan on June 23 at the same venue, before heading to Miami to face Colombia on June 28. Ronaldo has emphasized the need for a strong start and aims to top the group. Historically, Portugal has yet to lift the World Cup trophy, with their best finish being third place back in 1966. They also faced disappointment in 2022, exiting in the quarter-finals.
On another note, Ronaldo shared his contentment with how Portugal has been preparing, despite the rigorous training schedule. He mentioned that the team has shown promise in their warm-up matches but stressed that the real test begins once the tournament kicks off. According to the seasoned forward, it’s in high-pressure situations that the strongest teams emerge, revealing who can genuinely contend for the title.
As Portugal enters the competition, they boast a squad that combines seasoned veterans with rising stars. Ronaldo is confident that this generation has what it takes to deliver success and thrill Portuguese fans. However, he also pointed out that there are many elements beyond a team’s control once the games start.
