Cristiano Ronaldo has formally begun his journey towards the 2026 World Cup within the UEFA qualifiers, in what is anticipated to be his last look within the worldwide match. Even at 40 years previous, the Portuguese legend stays a key determine for the nationwide staff, and head coach Roberto Martínez highlighted Ronaldo’s affect within the locker room and his ongoing position in Portugal’s World Cup plans.
Drawn into Group F, Portugal opened their marketing campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Hungary, a match the place Ronaldo starred with a brace, together with a thunderous strike. Portugal is now set to go to Hungary, who most just lately drew 1-1 with the Republic of Eire. Much more than 20 years after his worldwide debut, Ronaldo continues to play a significant and impactful position for the Seleção.
Throughout Monday’s press convention, Martínez was requested concerning the vitality Ronaldo brings to the staff. The coach praised the Al Nassr ahead with out hesitation: “He lives every day like a younger participant experiencing it for the primary time. The way in which he dedicates himself, the freshness he exhibits each single day.”
Martínez was additionally requested concerning the World Cup and the way Ronaldo approaches it. “World Cup? He’s doing the perfect he can — he doesn’t set long-term objectives. He’s a winner. He desires to be the perfect on daily basis. His focus is on the right here and now,” Martinez stated to the press.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Roberto Martinez, Supervisor of Portugal work together following victory within the UEFA Nations League 2025 last match between Portugal and Spain.
Portugal will go to Hungary on Tuesday for Matchday 2 of Group F, aiming to take care of their tempo and safe first place to keep away from a possible playoff. With UEFA qualifiers persevering with in October and November, Martínez emphasised that Ronaldo stays a cornerstone of Portugal’s plans for the upcoming matches.
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Ronaldo, a reference level in Portugal’s locker room
Cristiano Ronaldo first wore the captain’s armband for Portugal in a pleasant towards Brazil in February 2007. Since then, he has develop into the clear reference level of the nationwide staff, main Portugal to its first main trophies. Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo will flip 41 in February, but expectations stay excessive for the veteran to lastly safe soccer’s final prize.
When requested whether or not Ronaldo’s lack of a World Cup motivates the staff, Martínez was clear: “I’ve already spoken so much about what he brings, however these aren’t elements of the longer term — they’re concerning the day-to-day. He has a starvation to be the perfect. What it means to put on the jersey is the message the captain brings to the locker room, and that helps so much.”
Ronaldo just lately helped Portugal safe the UEFA Nations League title in June after a penalty shootout win over Spain. With a confirmed skill to elevate the staff in essential moments, Ronaldo and Portugal at the moment are positioned to make a severe run on the 2026 World Cup.
