Football fans have one final chance to see the famous rivaly btween Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi unfold on football picth after the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, who is now at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr was named in Portugal's squad for FIFA World cup 2026.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 | Ronaldo vs Messi face off likely as Martinez names the Al Nassr star in 27-member squad
In one linePortugal's 27-man FIFA World Cup 2026 squad includes Cristiano Ronaldo, setting up a potential final showdown with Lionel Messi.Key highlights• Ronaldo's sixth World CupCristiano Ronaldo, now at Al Nassr, has been named in Portugal's 27-member squad for his sixth World Cup appearance.• Messi's rivalry returnLionel Messi, Argentina's 2022 World Cup winner, is also set to play, reviving the iconic Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry.• Portugal's squad depthThe squad includes 27 players plus one symbolic spot in memory of the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in 2023.• Group stage fixturesPortugal opens against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 17 June in Houston, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia.• Portugal's World Cup droughtDespite Ronaldo's prolific scoring record, Portugal has never won the FIFA World Cup.Key statistics143 goalsRonaldo's international goals28 years oldDiogo Jota's age at death6World Cup appearances for Ronaldo11 JuneTournament start date19 JulyTournament end dateProcessed with AI. Reviewed by DH Digital Team.
The 41-year-old will embark on a sixth World Cup after coach Roberto Martinez named a 27-man squad for the tournament, with a symbolic 'plus one' in memory of the late Diogo Jota.
FIFA World Cup 2026 | Iran target fitness revival at Turkey camp after war-enforced breakSpeaking at Cidade do Futebol before a packed auditorium, Martinez confirmed that fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho of Genclerbirligi Ankara will travel with the squad, but can only be added to the official 26-man list in the event of an injury to one of the three registered keepers.
Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, open their Group K campaign at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17 in Houston. They then face Uzbekistan at the same venue on June 23 and conclude the group stage against Colombia in Miami on June 27. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
Martinez said his selection comprised "27 players plus one", a reference to Liverpool forward Jota, who died in a car accident in July last year aged 28.
"He is our strength, our joy," Martinez said. "Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo's dream and for the example he always set in our national team. Diogo Jota's spirit, strength and example are the +1 and will always be the +1."
Portugal warm up against Chile in Oeiras on June 6 and Nigeria in Leiria on June 10. FIFA has stipulated that the squad must be in their Palm Beach, Florida training camp at least five days before their opening match.
Portugal and Ronaldo, the all-time leading men's international goalscorer with 143 goals, have never won the competition.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held from June 11 to July 19.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP); Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi Ankara);
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United); Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal); Ruben Dias (Manchester City); Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica);
Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City);
Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG); Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).
(With inputs from agencies)