Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to add another chapter to his storied international career as he prepares for what he has called his final World Cup appearance with Portugal.
Coach Roberto Martínez named the late Diogo Jota in the squad as a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging the forward’s contributions before his tragic death in a July car crash in Spain.
Jota, who had become a regular fixture in Portugal’s attack, died in a collision on a highway near Seville, leaving teammates and fans mourning the loss of a player who had earned 42 caps and scored 11 goals for his country.
A milestone journey
Ronaldo enters the tournament as the all‑time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men’s national team, and his presence continues to shape Portugal’s ambitions on the world stage.
Portugal has been placed in Group K alongside Congo, Colombia and Uzbekistan, opening their campaign against Congo in Houston on June 17 before facing the other two opponents later in the group stage.
Should both Portugal and Argentina advance, a potential quarterfinal clash would pit Ronaldo against Lionel Messi’s side, a rematch of several high‑profile encounters that fans have long anticipated.
Martínez has described Portugal as a title candidate but not a favorite, emphasizing the blend of talent, depth and the team’s fighting spirit as key ingredients for a deep run.
The squad will begin preparations on June 1 with warm‑up matches against Chile in the United States and Nigeria, before relocating to the U.S. for the tournament proper, with the team scheduled to arrive in Houston on June 12.
As the tournament approaches, Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance stands as a testament to his longevity and relentless drive, while the Portuguese camp hopes to translate that experience into a first championship.