News Focus
- Ronaldo set to become the first player to feature in six World Cup tournaments
- Al-Nassr star named Portugal captain by manager Roberto Martinez
- 41-year-old forward holds the record for most international goals and caps
- Messi and Ochoa could also match the six-tournament record this summer
- Four La Liga players included in Martinez’s 26-man squad
Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo will create football history this summer. The veteran forward will lead his country at the 2026 World Cup finals in North America.
Manager Roberto Martinez has handed the 41-year-old the captain’s armband. This marks Ronaldo’s sixth appearance at the global showpiece. No other player has reached this milestone before.
The Al-Nassr striker has earned 226 caps for Portugal. He has scored 143 goals for his national side. His first World Cup appearance came way back in 2006.
Two other stars could match Ronaldo’s record this year. Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa also played in 2006. Messi looks certain to play for Argentina in what may be his final tournament. The Inter Miami star turns 39 during the competition. Ochoa faces a tougher battle to become his country’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Martinez named four players from Spain’s top division in his 26-man group. Villarreal defender Renato Veiga, Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa, and Real Sociedad attacker Goncalo Guedes all feature. Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo also joins the squad.
Barcelona trio Rui Silva, Nelson Semedo and Joao Felix are included too. Francisco Trincao completes the Spanish-based contingent. However, several big names miss out. Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, young defender Antonio Silva, and Rodrigo Mora will watch from home.