Former World Cup winner hopes 2026 will be 'dedicated' to Cristiano Ronaldo

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :December 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM

Modified at :December 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM

Who will Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal face in FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?

The Al-Nassr striker will turn 41 before the competition.

Knowing what it takes to win the World Cup, Frank Leboeuf told GOAL that he hopes 2026 “is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo,” and this will be that final attempt at World Cup success.

This time, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host FIFA’s premier event. Portugal have received advice on how to manage their legendary forward and work together to grab a coveted title.

After an incredible final match against France that went all the way to penalties, La Albiceleste emerged victorious in 2022, with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi adding the FIFA World Cup to his medal collection.

Many people believed that this accomplishment was a result of fate, as one of the greatest players in history finally received the most coveted accolade.

For the better part of twenty years, Ronaldo and Messi have been fighting for the title of greatest player of all time (GOAT). Although Ronaldo has won the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship, the biggest prize of them all has eluded him.

When he turns 41 next year, he will have another chance to make amends next summer. Some have speculated that he might even play in the World Cup in 2030, which will take place back home. In any event, it would be appropriate if CR7 could follow in Messi’s footsteps in winning the World Cup.

Frank Leboeuf hopes to see Ronaldo lifting the 2026 World Cup

Top five goalscorers in World Cup qualifying history — LISBON, PORTUGAL – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Portugal and Scotland at Estadio do SL Benfica on September 8, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

Speaking on behalf of BetVictor Online Casino, Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, told GOAL in response to Ronaldo’s recent assertions that he hopes to see the Al-Nassr striker win the competition.

“It was like in 2022 the World Cup was dedicated to Messi. I really hope that 2026 will be dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo. That would be fantastic for him to get a World Cup, and for Portugal. Portugal have a hell of a team, so it’s possible.”

Has Cristiano Ronaldo won a World Cup?

No, he has never won a World Cup.

Has Frank Leboeuf won a World Cup?

Yes, he won the World Cup in 1998.

Have Portugal qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. They have.

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Rajarshi Shukla

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.