Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play at 2026 FIFA World Cup as he remains determined to add one particular record to his name: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he reportedly remains determined to add another record to his name. The legendary striker would like to be the first player in history to play and score in six different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
This comes after a sub-par performance at EURO 2024 so far by his standards. Ronaldo has starred in every game for Portugal in the competition, helping them reach the quarter-finals. However, he has yet to open his tally, failing to score a single goal.
He did have a brilliant chance against Turkey to do so, but the legendary forward opted to lay on an assist for Bruno Fernandes, who had a clearer chance. In the Round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo had a big chance to open his scoring from 12 yards against Slovenia, as he was given the responsibility of taking the penalty.
However, his effort down the right bottom corner was saved by Jan Oblak. The forward looked inconsolable, breaking down in tears. It took a heroic goalkeeping effort from Diogo Costa in the resulting penalty shootout to push Portugal through.
Relevo (via GOAL) has revealed that the legendary striker is already looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Now 39 years old, the forward wants to break the record of becoming the first player to play and score in the competition when it comes. In the meantime, though, his full focus will be on France in the quarter-finals.
Former France defender backs Cristiano Ronaldo to play in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Former France defender William Gallas has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the age of 41. The legendary forward may be playing his final EUROs competition, having notably won the 2016 edition, but the World Cup is still on the cards.
Ronaldo still hasn't won that competition, unlike his rival Lionel Messi, and William Gallas believes the Portuguese striker will go for one more try. In a conversation with Prime Casino, he said (via GOAL):
"I think he will. He will be 41 when the next World Cup comes around, but, if you look at the shape that he’s in and the goals that he’s scoring, then I don’t see why he won’t be targeting that as well. Look at Pepe. He’s 41 and playing at this tournament – he will be the oldest ever player to appear at a European Championships.
"Ronaldo will be looking at his inclusion and will think that he can do exactly the same thing. This tournament won’t be the last dance for Ronaldo – his last dance will be at the World Cup in two year’s time."
Cristiano Ronaldo has already become the first player ever to play six editions of the EUROs, but he is yet to be the first to score in all six. He will be hoping to change this situation when the Selecao face France in the quarter-finals.