Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels positive and ready for Portugal’s World Cup campaign as the veteran captain prepares for a record sixth appearance at the tournament.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he is feeling optimistic ahead of the 2026 World Cup as the national team prepares to begin its campaign in the United States.
Speaking before Portugal departed Lisbon for their World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida, the 41-year-old expressed confidence in both his physical condition and the team’s chances of enjoying a successful tournament.
Ronaldo revealed that preparations have been demanding but productive, with the squad putting in significant work during training in recent weeks. Despite the intensity of the build-up, he stressed that he feels fit and ready for the challenge ahead.
The veteran forward said the squad is approaching the tournament with hope and belief, adding that he expects Portugal to produce strong performances on football’s biggest stage.
Ronaldo also praised the quality of the current Portuguese generation, describing it as a talented group capable of bringing joy to supporters. He believes the blend of experienced players and emerging stars gives the team every reason to be ambitious.
Portugal will begin their Group K campaign against Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17 in Houston before taking on Uzbekistan and Colombia in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
For Ronaldo, this tournament represents another historic milestone. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup, further cementing his place among the greatest players in football history. However, some observers have questioned whether his continued presence could limit the development of Portugal’s younger stars.
Portugal head into the tournament on the back of consecutive 2-1 victories over Chile and Nigeria in warm-up matches, although Ronaldo was unable to find the net in either game.
Nevertheless, with the experienced captain leading the way and a talented squad around him, Portugal will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final finish in Qatar and make a serious push for World Cup glory.
