In regards to whether or not he thinks Cristiano Ronaldo will represent Portugal in the 2026 World Cup, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated his views clearly.
This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth European Championship and eleventh major international competition overall that he is playing for Portugal.
The Portuguese superstar, 39, has led Portugal to great success, including winning the Henri Delaunay trophy at the 2016 European Championship.
Ronaldo holds the record for most caps in his nation and most goals scored in league history. He also won the Nations League championship with Portugal.
Following Fernando Santos’ departure as head coach in 2023, Roberto Martinez has kept the captain’s armband for Portugal, which belonged to the Manchester United icon.
Despite Ronaldo’s recent 39th birthday in February, Roberto Martinez has emphasized that the former United player is still a key component of his plans for Portugal.
Ferguson talks Ronaldo and 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Al Nassr who has started all four of Portugal’s matches thus far, has come under fire for his lack of influence during this summer’s Euros.
The captain of Portugal has not scored at Euro 2024, and Ronaldo’s lone assist came in the team’s 3-0 victory over Turkey in Group F.
In the first part of extra time, Jan Oblak blocked Ronaldo’s attempt from a spot kick in the match between Slovenia and Portugal, leaving the player upset.
The Al Nassr captain, nevertheless, made up for the spot-kick in the shootout by going up first and defeating Jan Oblak on the second attempt.
The only true significant trophy that Manchester United great Ronaldo has failed to win during his remarkable playing career is the World Cup title.
Come 2026, when Canada, Mexico, and the United States co-host the World Cup, Ronaldo will be forty-one years old.
Legendary Sir Alex Ferguson of Aberdeen and United acknowledged that he does not see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner representing Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.
Ferguson said to Sport Bild (via the Metro) in response to a question about whether he thought Ronaldo could compete in another World Cup: “I can’t imagine that.”
“In the upcoming years, football will get more faster and more athletic. Furthermore, there won’t be as much room for central strikers.
“Strikers have a harder time playing at their best as they get older, compared to defenders.”
“One or two more titles would not mean much to him,” he continued. due to the unusual nature of his career.