Whereas they’ve but to formally safe a spot within the FIFA World Cup 2026, Portugal are shaping as much as be one of the crucial aggressive groups at subsequent summer season’s match. As a part of their lead-up to that problem, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates may face a South American aspect.
In line with A Bola, Portugal are presently in talks to schedule a pleasant match towards Colombia initially of subsequent yr. The proposed date is March 2026, throughout the closing worldwide break earlier than the World Cup kicks off in June throughout america, Mexico, and Canada.
The report additionally notes that Colombia shouldn’t be the one choice being thought of. One other high-level South American nationwide group, Ecuador, can also be on the radar, although that various seems to have much less momentum.
Nonetheless, for any of those matchups to develop into actuality, one key situation should be met: Portugal should clinch direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup with no need to undergo the European playoffs. In any other case, that March window can be taken up by official qualifying matches, making a pleasant not possible.
Colombia are already certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with stars like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez.
How are Portugal doing within the World Cup qualifiers?
Portugal’s begin to the World Cup qualifiers has been flawless. They lead Group F with an ideal file, having defeated Armenia 5–0 and Hungary 3–2. With six factors, they sit three forward of second-place Armenia and 5 forward of Hungary and Eire.
see additionally
Cristiano Ronaldo again in motion for Portugal: Al-Nassr star set to interrupt one other file in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Throughout this worldwide break, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will host Eire on Saturday, October 11, after which face Hungary at residence once more three days later. In the event that they win each matches—and different ends in the group go their method—Portugal may safe World Cup qualification this month, no matter what occurs within the remaining November fixtures.
Colombia might be a powerful check for Portugal
Not like Portugal, Colombia have already secured their spot within the World Cup. They clinched qualification in September with dominant wins over Bolivia and Venezuela, which put them in third place within the standings, behind solely Argentina and Ecuador.
Led by James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz, they are going to be enjoying of their seventh World Cup after lacking out on Qatar 2022. Given the standard of their roster and the excessive degree of competitors in South America, Colombia may supply a beneficial check for Portugal forward of the match in america, Mexico, and Canada. The 2 sides have by no means confronted one another earlier than.
see additionally
Portugal Nationwide Workforce TV Schedule: View Portugal Video games On TV
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play within the 2026 World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo presently shares the all-time file for many World Cup appearances by a participant, with 5. That listing additionally contains Lionel Messi, in addition to different legends like Gianluigi Buffon, Lothar Matthaus, and Rafael Marquez. Nonetheless, CR7 now has a historic alternative to face on the prime.
Ronaldo—similar to Messi with Argentina—continues to be a part of the Portugal squad, regardless of his age, with solely eight months remaining earlier than the subsequent World Cup. Whereas each gamers have remained cautious when discussing their future, all indicators level to them making historical past in 2026 with a sixth World Cup look—an achievement which will stand for many years.
