The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.
Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal manager following this current World Cup campaign. As his contract expires in late July, the Spanish tactician has decided not to renew. This monumental exit leaves fans wondering if legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo will also end his international career, as he chases the one elusive trophy missing from his cabinet.
Former Portugal winger Nani believes that the entire national team will push themselves beyond their limits to help Cristiano Ronaldo secure the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup. Having already lifted three major trophies together, the squad are determined to deliver international glory once more, driven by the global desire to see the legendary forward conquer the world.
Portugal's stars are honouring their late teammate as they prepare for their 2026 World Cup quest in North America. Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of the Selecao squad were spotted wearing special commemorative wristbands during training in Miami as an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota.
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player of all time, pointing to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. The Euro 2016 winner also revealed how CR7 influenced his own career and backed Portugal to challenge for 2026 World Cup glory.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has robustly dismissed lingering concerns regarding his physical condition at the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward, who enjoyed a prolific domestic campaign in Saudi Arabia, confidently promised to deliver success and bring immense joy to the Portuguese public.
There were just seconds to go in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield on October 16, 2022 when Diogo Jota pulled up with a muscular problem that left the Portuguese in agony. Jurgen Klopp feared the worst right away: "If Diogo stays down it is never good." And it wasn't. Jota had sustained a calf injury that would sideline him for months, rather than weeks, thus ruling him out of Portugal's 2022 World Cup campaign.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has sent a clear message to his squad, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo, by admitting he is still undecided on his starting line-up for their World Cup opener. Despite concluding their warm-up schedule with a victory over Nigeria, the former Everton and Belgium boss insists that places are still very much up for grabs.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.
We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening in Leiria as Portugal concluded their 2026 World Cup preparations with a slender 2-1 victory over Nigeria. Despite the win, the 41-year-old veteran lacked his usual clinical edge, spurning several golden opportunities to extend his legendary international goal tally.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just hours away, with the best players on the planet having descended on the United States, Canada and Mexico for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
Cristiano Ronaldo may be entering the twilight of his legendary career, but former Portugal team-mate Hugo Almeida insists the 41-year-old remains the ultimate difference-maker. As the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup, expectations are soaring for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to finally secure the one trophy that has eluded him.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to lead Portugal into a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but questions are already being asked about whether his time on home soil is coming to an end. National team boss Roberto Martinez has addressed whether a pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria serves as a final farewell for the legendary forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to lead Portugal into his sixth World Cup finals this summer, but questions remain over how long the legendary forward can continue at the highest level. His former team-mate Beto has now weighed in on the 41-year-old’s longevity and the Selecao's chances of finally lifting the biggest trophy in international football.
Portuguese legend Maniche believes Cristiano Ronaldo remains indispensable to the national team and should start at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the forward's advancing age, his former team-mate insists there is currently no superior alternative to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker has once again weighed in on the eternal Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, insisting that placing the Argentine above the Portuguese is simply a matter of footballing fact rather than a personal insult. Lineker also revealed how his unwavering stance on the GOAT debate caused a personal rift with the Al-Nassr and Portugal superstar.
Cristiano Ronaldo has trademarked some of the most iconic moves in football history, and it seems the Al-Nassr superstar is already passing those secrets down to the next generation. In a heartwarming clip shared on social media, the legendary forward took time away from his intense World Cup preparations to host a private coaching session in his own backyard.
Real Madrid's star Kylian Mbappe has set the stage for a thrilling 2026 World Cup by making a series of bold predictions regarding the tournament's top marksmen. The France captain, who is looking to banish the memories of a painful final defeat in Qatar, has weighed in on the eternal debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi while asserting his own dominance.
Rafael Leao has broken his silence following a shock dismissal during Portugal's World Cup warm-up clash against Chile. The AC Milan forward saw red for violent conduct after an altercation spiralled out of control in first-half stoppage time. Despite the controversy, Selecao boss Roberto Martinez has moved quickly to shield his player from criticism.
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