Ronaldo in Portugal’s World Cup squad, set for record appearance
Cristiano Ronaldo is on course to make history after being named in Portugal’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, which would mark his sixth appearance at the tournament.
The 41-year-old striker currently holds the men’s record for the most international appearances with 226 caps, as well as the highest number of international goals with 143.
Ronaldo is already among the select group of players to have featured in five World Cups, alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi, who is also expected to compete in his sixth tournament after guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr since joining the side in January 2023.
Ronaldo will also be available for all of Portugal’s group-stage matches after avoiding a three-game suspension following his red card in the team’s penultimate World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland in November.
Portugal have friendlies against Chile and Nigeria before their World Cup opener against DR Congo in Houston on 17 June.
They also face Uzbekistan in Houston before concluding their Group K campaign against Colombia in Miami.
Portugal’s World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Silva (Sporting), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi).
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (Paris St-Germain), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomas Araujo (Benfica).
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (Paris St-Germain), Vitinha (Paris St-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Joao Felix (Al-Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (Paris St-Germain).
