Bruno Fernandes has expressed his hope that Portugal can win the 2026 World Cup and give Cristiano Ronaldo the one trophy that has eluded him throughout an extraordinary international career.
Ronaldo, 41, is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup this June in what is widely expected to be the final major chapter of his career on the international stage. The forward remains the all-time leading scorer in international football with 143 goals, yet a World Cup winner’s medal is the one honour absent from an otherwise remarkable collection.
“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano winning it would be something amazing,” Fernandes told Wayne Rooney in an interview published by the BBC on Friday. “I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world.”
The Manchester United captain’s words reflect a sentiment shared by many in the Portugal camp, where Ronaldo remains a central figure despite his age. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of the Portugal side that won Euro 2016 and has lifted the Nations League twice, but the World Cup has always remained beyond his reach.
Portugal begin their Group K campaign on 17 June against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, before facing Uzbekistan on 23 June in the same city. They conclude the group stage against Colombia on 27 June in Miami.
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
