Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to achieve an unprecedented sixth appearance in the World Cup after being named to Portugal‘s roster for the tournament on Tuesday. In a touching tribute, coach Roberto Martínez has also included the late Diogo Jota as a “plus one forever,” honoring the player who tragically passed away last year.
Martínez emphasized that Jota’s presence will be felt throughout the team’s journey as they aim for their first World Cup victory. The 28-year-old Jota had been a key member of Portugal’s squad before his untimely death in a car accident in Spain last July.
“The final list contains 27 names plus one,” Martínez remarked. “Losing Diogo Jota was an unforgettable and incredibly difficult moment. The following day, we all took on the responsibility to pursue Diogo Jota’s dreams and embody the example he set for our national team. His spirit, strength, and example will always be with us.”
Martínez has selected the 41-year-old Ronaldo and 26 other players in hopes of delivering Portugal’s first World Cup title.
This tournament may mark Ronaldo’s final attempt at claiming the prestigious trophy, as it will be his first World Cup since departing elite European soccer to join the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo and his longtime rival, Lionel Messi from Argentina, could make history as the first male players to compete in six World Cups.
“When we discuss Cristiano Ronaldo, we are talking about two players,” Martínez explained. “He is both a global soccer icon and our captain, who shares the same ambitions as the rest of the team and possesses the competitive spirit to be part of the national squad. Our captain exemplifies leadership and responsibility in the locker room.”
Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances (226) and goals (143) scored for a men’s national team. He is also the sole player to have scored in five separate World Cups.
In November, Ronaldo informed CNN that this World Cup would “definitely” be his last.
Ronaldo’s squad also includes his Al Nassr teammate João Félix, Manchester City‘s Bernardo Silva, and Manchester United‘s Bruno Fernandes. Other notable inclusions are Paris Saint-Germain‘s Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos.
Although the final World Cup roster can consist of a maximum of 26 players, Martínez announced the inclusion of Ricardo Velho as a fourth-choice goalkeeper, who will only participate if an injury occurs to one of the other three keepers. He mentioned that he spoke individually to nearly all omitted players.
Portugal has been placed in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo. They will kick off the tournament against Congo on June 17 in Houston.
Martínez expressed that while Portugal can be seen as a contender for the title, they should not be categorized among the favorites.
“The World Cup isn’t solely about skill or talent,” he stated. “It involves numerous challenges. I think only a team that has won the World Cup before can be considered a favorite. We’re open to the pressure; it’s not an issue for us, but I believe ‘candidate’ is a more suitable term to describe the promising period we’re experiencing.”
Portugal triumphed in the 2025 Nations League, defeating the host nation Germany in the semifinals and Spain in the final.
“Given the talent and spirit of our group, we can all dare to dream,” Martínez said. “Yes, we can dream and be contenders, but not favorites.”
The team will begin its preparations on June 1, with friendly matches against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10, before traveling to the United States on June 12.
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Portugal’s Squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)
Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), João Félix (Al Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon).