Cristiano Ronaldo is set to reach a historic milestone after being named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. At the age of 41, his inclusion confirms that he is on course to become the first male footballer in history to appear in six editions of the tournament.
Ronaldo’s selection had not been in doubt. Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has repeatedly stated that he does not envisage participating in the World Cup without the veteran forward. The announcement of a 27-man provisional squad has now formally confirmed Ronaldo’s place, subject to the final list.
According to FIFA regulations, teams must submit a final squad comprising between 23 and 26 players. This means at least one player from the current list will be omitted. Notably, Martínez has included four goalkeepers, although only three are permitted in the final squad, making that position the most likely area for reduction.
Alongside Ronaldo, the squad features several established international players. Midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and João Neves are included, reflecting continuity in Portugal’s core selection. In defence, Rúben Dias and Nuno Mendes provide experience and stability, while João Cancelo and Diogo Dalot offer additional options in wide positions.
There are also notable inclusions that add variation to the squad. Forward Gonçalo Guedes, who returned to international football in March after a four-year absence, has been selected. Samuel Costa, a defensive midfielder with only four international appearances, is another inclusion, indicating Martínez’s willingness to consider emerging players.
Several players have been left out of the squad. Among the more prominent omissions are Matheus Fernandes of West Ham United, Benfica defender António Silva, and forwards Paulinho, Pedro Gonçalves and Ricardo Horta.
Portugal have been drawn in Group K for the World Cup, where they will face Colombia, Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prior to the tournament, Portugal will play two home friendlies as part of their preparations: against Chile on 6 June and Nigeria on 10 June.
The full provisional squad is outlined below:
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Diogo Costa, José Sá, Rui Silva, Ricardo Velho |
| Defenders | João Cancelo, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Diogo Dalot, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Nélson Semedo |
| Midfielders | Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, João Neves, Vitinha, Rúben Neves, Samuel Costa |
| Forwards | Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Ramos, Rafael Leão, Francisco Trincão, João Félix, Pedro Neto, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Guedes |
This squad announcement marks the formal beginning of Portugal’s final phase of preparation for the World Cup, while also confirming Ronaldo’s participation in what will be a record-extending sixth appearance on football’s most prominent international stage.