Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, posted on X ahead of Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, writing, "We set off with the strength of millions of Portuguese people. Thank you for being with us!" Portugal, appearing in their ninth World Cup, open Group K against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston, Texas, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23 in Houston and Colombia on June 27 in Miami. Portugal's base camp is in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Ronaldo is playing in a record-equalling sixth World Cup alongside rival Lionel Messi.
What did Cristiano Ronaldo say ahead of Portugal's 2026 World Cup opener?
Before leaving Portugal, Ronaldo framed the tournament in deliberately measured terms. "It is important to get off to a good start, do well in the first and second matches and then finish first in the group," he told reporters. "Then we go match by match, but not with the expectations of winning it all. It has to be step by step. A good start is the most important thing." On X, the message to supporters was warmer: "We set off with the strength of millions of Portuguese people. Thank you for being with us!" The calibrated public stance is consistent with how Ronaldo has approached knockout football throughout his career, controlling the narrative while the pressure builds around him. He noted it would be later in the tournament, "when things get tighter and the psychological and physical fatigue" arrive, "that we will know who the real champions are."
How does Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad compare to previous Ronaldo-era generations?
Portugal arrives as one of the favourites in an expanded 48-team field. Ronaldo described the current group as "a very good generation of players" while acknowledging the limits of individual will in football. "Winning or losing depends on many factors," he said. "But it's a generation that will make the Portuguese people happy." Portugal has not gone beyond the last eight in a World Cup since 1966, when they finished third. Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia after careers at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
The path through Group K is navigable. DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia represent a bracket Portugal should top. The knockout rounds are another matter entirely. Ronaldo has been to this stage five times before and left each time without the trophy. He is clear-eyed about what is at stake. "A good start is the most important thing." Everything else follows from Wednesday in Houston.
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About the Author
Lachit Roy is a sports writer at The Times of India, where he covers the NBA, WWE, and other major international sporting events. With over five years of experience across different media houses, he has developed expertise in reporting, analysis, and storytelling. His sharp insights are complemented by a clear and engaging writing style. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Tezpur University. Beyond sports, Lachit is passionate about movies and enjoys gardening in his free time.
