Bruno Fernandes suggests Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Portugal BEYOND 2026 World Cup regardless of whether he fulfils trophy dream in North America

All-time great Ronaldo is approaching his 40th birthday and will be 41 by the time FIFA’s flagship event heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. With 1,000 career goals in his sights, the expectation is that CR7 will grace that event.

Joao Felix has already spoken of the desire inside Portugal’s squad to help their captain match eternal rival Lionel Messi by claiming a world title. Fernandes is another pursuing that goal and he cannot see an illustrious countryman hanging up his boots any time soon.

Manchester United skipper Fernandes told TNT Sports when asked about Ronaldo appearing at another World Cup finals: “I not only believe, but I'm almost certain that he'll be there. It would be great if Cristiano Ronaldo fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup with the national team, not only for him, but for us Portuguese people. We really want to give that to our country. For him, as the ultimate reference in our football, it would be the best way to end.

“Even if he won the World Cup, I don't know if he would like to stop or go a little further. There are always things to improve and learn. You can see that in Cristiano, who wants to do more every year, wants to be better. For those who still have doubts, he does more and more. For us, the most important thing is to go to the World Cup and win. It's the dream of all of us, of Cristiano Ronaldo's fans and of our country.”

Fernandes added on Ronaldo potentially completing his medal collection: “It would be a huge thing for Cristiano Ronaldo to probably end his career with the national team with the two most important trophies: the European Championship and the World Cup. Portugal had never won them before. Winning the World Cup would not be a day of celebration, but rather a week of celebration in Portugal.”

Ronaldo has taken his record-breaking tallies of caps and goals for Portugal to 217 and 135 respectively. He is already the first man to score at five World Cups and could become the first to figure at six if his career at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr and with his country is extended.