Portugal news

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.

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.

From Roger Milla to Peter Shilton, GOAL looks at some of the legendary performances from aging stars at World Cups

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.

Comprehensive match preview of Portugal vs DR Congo at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

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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.