The rumors don't ever really stop when it concerns Cristiano Ronaldo. One day he’s retiring to a beach in Madeira, and the next, he’s posting a gym selfie that makes 20-year-olds look out of shape. But the big question—the one that’s been hovering over every sports bar and Twitter thread since that tearful exit in Qatar—is finally getting a concrete answer.
Is Ronaldo playing World Cup 2026? Basically, yeah. It’s happening. As of early 2026, Roberto Martinez has pretty much confirmed that the legendary number 7 is in the plans for the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But if you think he’s going to be sprinting for 90 minutes every single game like it’s 2008, you've got another thing coming. The vibe around the Portuguese camp has shifted. It’s less about "Ronaldo and ten others" and more about how the most prolific goalscorer in history fits into a squad that is, frankly, stacked with young talent.
✨ Don't miss: Warriors vs Hornets Score: How Golden State Just Set a Franchise Record (Without Jimmy Butler)
The Reality of Ronaldo at 41
Let’s look at the calendar. When the tournament kicks off in June 2026, Ronaldo will be 41 years old. That is ancient in football terms. Yet, he’s still out there. Just a few days ago, on January 12, 2026, he notched his 959th career goal for Al Nassr. He’s chasing 1,000. That’s not a typo. One thousand.
He recently told CNN that the 2026 World Cup will "definitely" be his last. No more "maybe" or "we'll see." This is the final dance.
Honestly, the stats from the qualifiers tell a story of a guy who still knows exactly where the goal is. Portugal tore through Group F, finishing things off with a massive 9-1 win over Armenia in November 2025. Even though Ronaldo missed that final qualifying match due to a suspension—classic CR7 intensity—his five goals in five matches during the cycle proved he isn't just a mascot. He’s still the captain.
What Roberto Martinez Really Thinks
Roberto Martinez is in a weird spot. He’s got the greatest icon in the history of the sport in his locker room, but he also has Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, and Rafael Leão chomping at the bit. In a recent interview with the Lusa news agency, Martinez was surprisingly blunt. He admitted that while the "door is always open," the competitiveness is through the roof.
He’s planning to take three strikers to North America. Ronaldo is one. Ramos is likely the second.
The plan isn't to start Ronaldo every game. Martinez mentioned the "sweltering temperatures" expected in North America and the need to manage Ronaldo’s minutes. It’s a tactical evolution. We saw a glimpse of this in 2022 when Fernando Santos benched him, but Martinez seems to be handling the "ego" side of things with a bit more grace. He calls Ronaldo a "world football icon" but insists that the team’s needs come first.
Portugal's Group K Path
Portugal has been placed in Group K. Their schedule looks like this:
- Match 1: Against the winner of the intercontinental play-off (could be Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia).
- Match 2: Uzbekistan.
- Match 3: Colombia.
These games will be played in Miami and Houston. For a guy who has played in the rain in Manchester and the heat of Riyadh, the humidity of a Miami summer is going to be a different beast entirely.
The 1,000 Goal Obsession
Why is he still doing this? He’s won five Champions Leagues. He’s won the Euros. He has more money than some small countries.
It's the numbers. It’s always been the numbers. Ronaldo is currently sitting at 959 official goals. If he stays healthy through the rest of the Saudi Pro League season and the World Cup, he could potentially hit that 1,000-goal milestone during the tournament or shortly after. Can you imagine the scenes if he scores his 1,000th goal in a World Cup knockout game? The internet would actually break.
But there's a psychological weight here too. Portugal is still mourning the loss of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in 2025. Martinez has said the team is playing to fulfill Jota's dream of winning the trophy. That kind of emotional backdrop usually does one of two things: it crushes a team under pressure, or it turns them into a juggernaut.
The Competition for the Number 9 Spot
It’s not just the "Ronaldo Show" anymore. Gonçalo Ramos proved in Qatar that he can score hat-tricks on the big stage. Then you have the drama with João Cancelo, who’s been struggling for game time at Al Hilal and is reportedly looking for a move back to Europe (maybe Barcelona) just to stay sharp for the summer.
If Portugal’s delivery system—the wingers and fullbacks—isn't clicking, Ronaldo becomes a passenger. At 41, he’s a "fox in the box." He isn't going to beat a 22-year-old defender in a footrace from the halfway line. He needs service. If the midfield of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva can provide that, he’s still the most dangerous man on the pitch for a 15-minute cameo.
What This Means for Your World Cup Brackets
If you’re betting on Portugal, don't just look at the starting lineup. Look at the bench. The fact that is ronaldo playing world cup is a "yes" doesn't mean he's the "only" factor.
Portugal is a legitimate contender. They won the 2025 UEFA Nations League by beating Spain. They are deep, they are angry, and they have a point to prove.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Don't expect 90 minutes: If you’re buying tickets to see Ronaldo, aim for the group stage matches, but be prepared for him to come off the bench around the 60th minute.
- Watch the March Friendlies: Portugal is playing the USA and Mexico in March 2026. This is where Martinez will test his "three striker" system and see how Ronaldo handles the altitude and indoor stadium conditions.
- The 6-Tournament Record: If Ronaldo scores in 2026, he will be the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Messi will be at his sixth, but he didn't score in 2010. This is a specific legacy goal for Cristiano.
- The Final Retirement: Treat every game like it’s the last. He has explicitly stated this is the end of the road for his international career.
The narrative that Ronaldo is "finished" is just as wrong as the narrative that he’s still the best player in the world. He’s neither. He’s a specialized weapon. Whether Martinez knows how to use that weapon without it blowing up in his face is the only thing that matters for Portugal's chances in 2026. Keep an eye on the Al Nassr injury reports over the next few months; that's the only thing that could realistically stop him from boarding the plane to Miami.