Cristiano Ronaldo has formally begun his journey towards the 2026 World Cup within the UEFA qualifiers, in what is predicted to be his ultimate look within the worldwide match. Even at 40 years outdated, the Portuguese legend stays a key determine for the nationwide workforce, and head coach Roberto Martínez highlighted Ronaldo’s affect within the locker room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 not too long ago 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 in regards to the power Ronaldo brings to the workforce. 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 in regards to the World Cup and the way Ronaldo approaches it. “World Cup? He’s doing one of the best he can — he doesn’t set long-term targets. He’s a winner. He desires to be one of the best each day. His focus is on the right here and now,” Martinez mentioned to the press.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Roberto Martinez, Supervisor of Portugal work together following victory within the UEFA Nations League 2025 ultimate 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 workforce, 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 workforce, Martínez was clear: “I’ve already spoken loads about what he brings, however these aren’t elements of the long run — they’re in regards to the day-to-day. He has a starvation to be one of the best. What it means to put on the jersey is the message the captain brings to the locker room, and that helps loads.”
Ronaldo not too long ago helped Portugal safe the UEFA Nations League title in June after a penalty shootout win over Spain. With a confirmed capacity to elevate the workforce in essential moments, Ronaldo and Portugal are actually positioned to make a severe run on the 2026 World Cup.
