Cristiano Ronaldo's 2026 FIFA World Cup plan comes to light amid recent admission over potential retirement: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly aims to be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his recent comments regarding his career winding down. The 39-year-old is currently captaining Portugal at Euro 2024.
Relevo reports that Ronaldo wants to continue playing at the highest level and wants to play in the World Cup in two years. He is participating in his 11th major international tournament at the Euros this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo delved into his future plans when speaking ahead of the European Championships. The Al-Nassr superstar hinted that he's coming into the latter stages of his career:
"I don't have many years left in football… so, I have to enjoy it. I'm in love with football. Every game is special, imagine at the Euros with Portugal, you feel proud... it's a dream, like when I was 20."
Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to lead Portugal to glory at Euro 2024 in Germany as he did at Euro 2016. He's his nation's all-time top scorer with 130 goals and 46 assists in 207 caps.
The iconic forward was in blistering form during his club campaign with Al-Nassr. He registered 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 games across competitions, finishing 2023 as the highest scorer in world football.
Ronaldo's club's future is under speculation as he has a year left on his contract. Al-Nassr's CEO Guido Fienga insisted the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be at Al-Awwal Park next season.
"The team is ready" - Cristiano Ronaldo made confident claim over Portugal's Euro 2024 chances
Cristiano Ronaldo was adamant that Portugal has the squad to reach the European Championships final this summer. His nation starts its campaign in Group F, facing Czechia (June 18), Turkiye (June 22), and Georgia (June 26).
International football's all-time top scorer said this generation deserved trophy success (via 90min):
"I believe that this generation deserves to win a competition of this magnitude. Semifinals? I hope we can go further... we have to go step by step, live in the moment, be calm, work as well as we have until now, believe that it is possible. We know it's a short competition, but the team is ready."
Portugal is one of the favorites to win Euro 2024 amid a remarkable qualifying campaign in which they went unbeaten. Ronaldo was in red-hot form, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in nine games.
Selecao das Quinas will want to put their 2022 World Cup disappointment behind them. They crashed out in the quarterfinals courtesy of a 1-0 loss to Morocco, and Ronaldo managed one goal in five games.