Portugal’s heartache at the 2024 European Championships was there for all to see, on more than one occasion.
Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly emotional in their Round of 16 match against Slovenia when he saw his penalty saved and they looked like they could go out before winning in the penalty shootout. Pepe was emotional when they did go out in the quarter-finals to France by the same method a few days later.
The defender is 41 and while he is yet to announce any decision regarding potentially retiring from international duty, it’s unlikely that he will be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup representing his nation. However, could CR7?
Will CR7 be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in two summers’ time, there will be plenty of speculation about whether Cristiano Ronaldo will still be available to play for Portugal, should they qualify for the major event.
He is 39 currently, but as we know, he is in peak physical condition and would make anyone twenty years younger than him and in their prime jealous of his condition and physique. However, could he make the competition at 41?
On one hand, there is every reason that he could. It would be the final chance that he would have to try and win the World Cup - the only thing missing from his resumé and something his long-term rival, Lionel Messi, achieved in 2022. If he wants to be there, there will be no stopping him, as he’ll be as hungry and dedicated as ever to make sure he can feature. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though they will be the main favorites to win the competition.
Despite plenty of football still to be played and the qualification process, Unibet’s online sportsbook in Canada has already released their early odds regarding who they believe will win the major tournament. Portugal are currently ranked seventh in regard to their chances, with Brazil expected to be the favorites when the tournament takes place in North America. European champions Spain, France, England, Argentina and Germany are all placed above them, too.
It could be a stretch to see CR7 at the tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in two years’ time. His age will be something that could go against him, while playing in Saudi Arabia might not allow him to remain in the same physical condition that he has been at most points throughout his career.
While the domestic league is getting stronger and becoming more competitive, it’s not quite the same as England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, or Italy’s Serie A, where he has played most of his competitive football. Continuing to play in the Middle East could see his fitness drop in some aspect, while human nature will dictate that a decline will be experienced naturally.
Could CR7 be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a non-player?
Perhaps one way in which we’ll see Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in the capacity of a non-playing role. While he will be doing all he can to make sure he can play, there is still a lot of football to be played.
Injuries can be experienced that could be difficult to recover from at his age, or he could find that the time has come naturally for him to hang up his boots. If these scenarios were to happen, then there is every chance we could see him on the touchline in a role as staff.
Everybody knows the influence that he has in the dressing room and the leader that he can be, with most having witnessed it first-hand in their 2016 Euro final victory over France when he was forced off earlier in the game due to injury. He could replicate that role and be there for the squad members who have been chosen, passing on his wisdom and experiences that he has to try and help them win the tournament that they are yet to win in their national team history.
Looking ahead, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were to be involved in this way in 2030, as the competition will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco. If they don’t win it in 2026, 2030 will be the year CR7 will be eying up as their best opportunity, and one he’ll want to be involved in.
