LISBON (Kashmir English): Star Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his nation into the 2026 World Cup next month after coach Roberto Martinez named the veteran in his squad.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, now at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, will be playing his record sixth World Cup.
Interestingly, Portugal and Ronaldo have never won the global title.
He is the all-time leading men’s international scorer for Portugal with 143 goals.
Ronaldo could face former Barcelona rival Lionel Messi, who is also set to play at a sixth World Cup after leading Argentina to glory in 2022 in Qatar.
Ronaldo avoided a three-match ban despite being sent off against the Republic of Ireland in their last qualifying match for an elbow.
The Portuguese star said last year that this World Cup would be his last.
Portugal will play friendlies with Chile and Nigeria before their World Cup campaign begins against DR Congo on June 17.
The side will also face Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K on June 23 and 27, respectively.
Ronaldo to lead Portugal
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Samu Costa, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva
Attackers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao, Goncalo Guedes, Goncalo Ramos.
