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As of now, it’s uncertain whether Cristiano Ronaldo will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here are some factors to consider:
Ronaldo’s Age and Fitness
- By 2026, Ronaldo will be 41 years old. While he has maintained an incredible level of fitness throughout his career, competing at the highest level in a World Cup at that age would be unprecedented for an outfield player.
- Ronaldo has expressed a desire to continue playing as long as he feels physically capable, but his role may shift to a more limited, impact-substitute position rather than a starter.
Portugal’s National Team Dynamics
- Portugal has a wealth of young talent emerging in attacking positions, such as Rafael Leão, João Félix, and Gonçalo Ramos. These players are likely to be the focal points of the team by 2026.
- Ronaldo’s experience and leadership could still be valuable, but it will depend on whether the coach (likely not Fernando Santos by then) sees him as part of the squad.
Ronaldo’s Own Ambitions
- Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that he wants to play for as long as possible and has even hinted at playing until the 2024 European Championship. If he remains fit and motivated, he might aim for the 2026 World Cup as a final career milestone.
- However, he may also choose to retire from international football earlier to focus on his club career or other ventures.
Historical Precedents
- Only a handful of outfield players have competed in World Cups at 40 or older. For example, Roger Milla of Cameroon played at 42 in 1994, but he was more of a symbolic figure rather than a key player.
- Goalkeepers, like Essam El-Hadary (45 in 2018), have played at older ages, but outfield players face much greater physical demands.
Likelihood
- While it’s not impossible, the chances of Ronaldo playing in the 2026 World Cup are low. It would require him to maintain peak physical condition, adapt to a reduced role, and for Portugal to still see him as a valuable asset.
- If he does participate, it would likely be in a mentorship or substitute role, similar to how Pelé was used in the 1970 World Cup (though Pelé was much younger).
Conclusion
Ronaldo’s presence in the 2026 World Cup would be a historic achievement, but it’s more likely that he will have retired from international football by then. However, given his unparalleled dedication and love for the game, you can never completely rule it out!
Let wc qualifiers know if you’d like more insights into Ronaldo’s career or Portugal’s prospects!
