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November 18, 2024
We're not that far away from the next World Cup anymore and Ronaldo, who else, is already locked in to lead his nation to another exciting tournament , as always...
The question of whether Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the 2026 World Cup has intrigued fans worldwide. At 41 years old, Ronaldo would be in the final stages of his storied career. Still, his ambition and fitness levels continue to defy expectations, leaving open the possibility of a sixth World Cup appearance, while sports betting platforms like 4RaBet in India are following Ronaldo very closely and offering the opportunity to bet on multiple Ronaldo-related outcomes.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Ronaldo goals in World Cups:
Ronaldo is a record-setter in international football, and his impact in past World Cups demonstrates his unique ability to perform under pressure. Since his debut in 2006, he has broken barriers, including becoming the first male player to score in five consecutive World Cups. If he reaches 2026, Ronaldo would add yet another milestone, setting the bar even higher for future players. Here's a look at Ronaldo's past World Cup performances, followed by an analysis of Portugal's chances in 2026.
| World Cup Year | Goals Scored | Games Played | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 6 | Helped Portugal reach the semifinals |
| 2010 | 1 | 4 | Scored in the group stage |
| 2014 | 1 | 3 | Assisted a late goal vs. the U.S. |
| 2018 | 4 | 4 | Hat-trick against Spain |
| 2022 | 1 | 5 | Became the first to score in five consecutive World Cups |
Over his career, Ronaldo has played 22 World Cup matches, scoring 8 goals in total. His standout performances include a hat-trick against Spain in 2018, one of the tournament's most memorable moments. Yet, Portugal's overall performance has often fallen short. Despite Ronaldo's heroics, Portugal has never progressed beyond the semifinals in the modern era.
Assuming Ronaldo will play for Portugal in the next World Cup, his role may be slightly different. With his endurance and fitness possibly declining, he might transition from being a full-time starter to a super-sub or situational player, especially in games that require a proven finisher. Portugal’s manager would likely prioritize Ronaldo's experience and mental strength, using him as a guiding force for the younger squad members.
Some of the oldest players in World Cup history have demonstrated remarkable longevity and commitment to the sport. Here's a list of the top five oldest players to have appeared in the tournament:
| Rank | Player | Country | Age | World Cup Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essam El Hadary | Egypt | 45 years, 161 days | 2018 |
| 2 | Faryd Mondragón | Colombia | 43 years, 3 days | 2014 |
| 3 | Roger Milla | Cameroon | 42 years, 39 days | 1994 |
| 4 | Pat Jennings | Northern Ireland | 41 years | 1986 |
| 5 | Peter Shilton | England | 40 years, 292 days | 1990 |
If Cristiano Ronaldo plays in the 2026 World Cup at age 41, he would join this exclusive list as one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history, though he would not break the record for the oldest player overall.
Regarding Portugal's chances in 2026, they are better positioned than ever. The country boasts a golden generation of players including João Félix, Vitinha, Diogo Costa, and Rúben Dias. Having won the 2016 UEFA European Championship, the team has proven it can compete at the highest levels. With Ronaldo's leadership and a younger, highly skilled roster, Portugal has the potential to contend for a title.
The competitive landscape for the 2026 World Cup is fierce, with Brazil, France, and Argentina among the favorites. However, Portugal ranks as a strong underdog, currently placed around seventh in odds to win the tournament. If the squad remains healthy and tactically sharp, they could surpass expectations.
As Ronaldo contemplates the latter stages of his career, the 2026 World Cup might represent his final act on the international stage. With ambitions to solidify his legacy even further, he could use this tournament as a farewell moment, symbolizing the culmination of two decades of elite football. Following the World Cup, it’s anticipated that Ronaldo may retire from international duty, with club retirement likely soon after. His exact plans remain undisclosed, but given his history of calculated career moves, he may transition to an ambassadorial role within football or focus on his businesses and philanthropic endeavors post-retirement.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Portugal is on November 18, against Croatia for the UEFA Nations League. You can watch Croatia vs Portugal, Milan vs Juventus, Spain vs Switzerland, Brazil vs Uruguay, Argentina vs Peru and Hungary vs Germany, all matches provided from our live football game pages.
Portugal next game:
Croatia vs Portugal kick-off time (18-11-2024):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 02:45
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 00:15
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 21:45
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 20:45
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 19:45
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 16:45
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 15:45
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 12:45
Sources: ronaldo7.net / transfermarkt.com / medium.com
