The special role of Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup could mark the last competition of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, but the 39-year-old icon is anticipated to maintain a distinctive position, guiding Portugal towards their dream of winning the title.

Although he will be 41 when the 2026 World Cup begins, many experts consider Cristiano Ronaldo an indispensable member of the Portuguese squad. With a new two-year contract at Al-Nassr and ambitions to reach 1,000 career goals, CR7 shows no signs of slowing down.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has claimed nearly every prestigious title at both club and international levels, including the EURO 2016 championship and two UEFA Nations League trophies. However, the World Cup trophy remains the only major prize the number 7 superstar has yet to secure. With the upcoming tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, great confidence is placed in Portugal’s “golden generation” led by Ronaldo.

Former Brazilian star Gilberto Silva, a 2002 World Cup winner, also expressed admiration for the Portuguese superstar: “Ronaldo is a machine. Although he’s lost some speed, he has perfectly adapted to the striker role and continues to score consistently. More importantly, he inspires and motivates his teammates to believe they can achieve extraordinary things.”

In reality, Ronaldo has changed his playing style. No longer relying on wing sprints, he has become a “penalty box assassin” with exceptional positioning and finishing skills. At Al-Nassr, CR7 keeps scoring regularly, proving his value despite his age.

Portugal’s national team currently boasts top stars like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Joao Felix. Combined with Ronaldo’s experience and leadership spirit, they are expected to turn their dream of a world championship into reality.

The 2026 World Cup may be Ronaldo’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage. Yet, with his relentless determination and unyielding ambition, CR7 will remain a symbol of hope and a guiding light for Portugal’s pursuit of football greatness.