Cristiano Ronaldo to face competition for spot in Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad, confirms Roberto Martinez
(Courtesy : Getty)
Roberto Martinez says he is expected to pick three strikers for the competition.
According to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo will have more competition for the striker spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Despite being the captain of his nation, Evergreen’s 40-year-old CR7 is not anticipated to play every minute of every game when he travels to that tournament, while he will be 41. Martinez intends to travel to the US, Canada, and Mexico with three strikers.
As long as the Al-Nassr forward avoids injury, Ronaldo will be among them. Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain, who replaced Ronaldo when a legendary countryman was benched during the 2022 World Cup, will take another position.
CR7 must acknowledge that he needs to be handled cautiously in the later phases of his record-breaking career, but he is hesitant to go back or take on a supporting role.
Martinez reveals Portugal 2026 World Cup plans
In light of this, Martinez is keen to make sure he doesn’t fall short in a crucial part of the field at a major international event this summer, where scorching temperatures are expected.
He addressed the news agency Lusa:
“The door to the national team is always open, but the competitiveness makes it very difficult to get in. But, at the moment, we think we need a third striker and that this will be an important position for the World Cup.”
After winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League and earning direct qualification for another World Cup, Portugal should be bursting with confidence. Two of their pre-tournament friendlies will take them to the United States and Mexico in March.
However, it will be a last chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to win the World Cup, which is the only trophy he has not won so far.
Ronaldo to be benched again?
Martinez when asked about predecessor Fernando Santos’ decision to rotate Ronaldo out of his plans at the last World Cup, said: “What happens around Cristiano is a historical aspect. He’s a world football icon, but that doesn’t condition or limit our work. Cristiano is very calm and very focused on the day-to-day, and that’s a simple formula. When Cristiano Ronaldo is doing well, it’s very important for the national team.”
Which three strikers will be called up for the 2026 World Cup?
Roberto Martinez hasn’t revealed their names yet.
Will Ronaldo be called up?
Yes, as long as he avoids injuries.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.