Cristiano Ronaldo is not here for the doubts. The Portugal captain, now 41 years old, has told those questioning his fitness to just go and watch him play. As he gets ready to lead his country to a record sixth World Cup appearance, the veteran forward is confident that age is just a number.
Speaking to journalists before the team left for the United States, Ronaldo was asked whether he still has the physical ability to compete at the highest level. His answer was short and sharp. “Physically? I’m fine, have you not seen my matches?” he responded. He also said he is happy with how head coach Roberto Martinez has prepared the squad.
Ronaldo admitted that the preparations have not been easy. “It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard,” he said. Still, he believes the hard work will pay off.
Portugal have had positive results in their warm-up matches, beating both Chile and Nigeria. But Ronaldo is not getting carried away. He knows that friendly wins do not mean much when the real action begins. According to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, “what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game against DR Congo and then when the pressure really starts to mount.” He added that the true measure of a team’s character only shows during the tournament itself. “That’s when we’ll see the true champions,” he said.
Portugal comes into this World Cup as one of Europe’s strongest sides. They are currently ranked fifth in the world. Roberto Martinez’s men topped their UEFA qualifying group and also lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy. The team is a good mix of seasoned stars and fresh talent. Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves are coming straight from helping Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League. Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva continue to bring leadership and creativity. At the back, Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes offer stability and top-level experience.
Portugal finds itself in Group K, alongside Colombia, DR Congo, and tournament newcomers Uzbekistan. Their opening match is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, against DR Congo. That fixture carries extra meaning because DR Congo are back at the World Cup for the first time in more than fifty years. They last appeared in 1974. Their road to qualification was no joke, with impressive victories over Cameroon, Nigeria, and Jamaica during the decisive stages.
For Ronaldo and his teammates, the message is clear. The friendlies are over. The talking is done. Now it is about showing up when the pressure is on. And the old man? He says he is ready.
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