Ronaldo Will Record At The 2026 World Cup With Messi

JAKARTA - Cristiano Ronaldo is heading for the World Cup again even though he doesn't play in a game that ensures Portugal qualify for the finals.

Portugal secured their place in next year's tournaments in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a landslide victory of 9-1 over Armenia on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Ronaldo missed the game at Porto due to suspension. However, with his absence, Portugal confirmed he had the opportunity to appear in the record-breaking sixth World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will turn 41 when the tournament starts in June 2026. Ronaldo recently said that it would be his last chance to win the only major title he has yet to win.

Assuming his fitness is maintained, he is expected to be part of Roberto Martinez's squad of coaches although he may still be suspended for two games after being sent off the pitch in Portugal's 0-2 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Friday, November 14, 2025, early morning WIB.

The surprising defeat forced Portugal to defeat Armenia to ensure the top position of Group F.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves' hat trick ensures there will be no more mistakes.

"Today we see our team returning to its best performance, committed, supportive, and carrying out the game plan very well," Martinez told broadcaster RTP.

Hungary had a chance to overtake Portugal at the top of the group, but ran aground as a result of Ireland's resurgence in the final minutes. They lost 2-3 in Budapest.

Historical scorer Ronaldo and tough rival Lionel Messi will appear in their sixth World Cup if they participate in next year's tournament.

They will surpass great players like Lothar Mattheus of Germany, who appeared in five editions.

Defending champions Argentina have secured their place, while Messi fulfills his long-awaited ambition by bringing Argentina to the title in Qatar in 2022.

Ronaldo, who has won the Euros and two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal, has yet to add a World Cup to its storefront which includes five Champions Leagues and league titles in England, Spain and Italy.

Although he is nearing the end of his career and has left Europe's top football to play in Saudi Arabia, he continues to beautify his brilliant career.

He led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League earlier this year and last month was the top scorer in the World Cup Qualifiers match with 41 goals.

Skorsing cost him the chance to increase the number of goals, but Portugal did not lack a goal during his absence.