Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo shares glimpses of first training session ahead of FIFA World Cup
Houston, June 2
Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo shared glimpses of the national team's first training session ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering fans a look at preparations for football's biggest tournament.
Ronaldo posted a series of images on Instagram from Portugal's training camp as the squad began its build-up to the World Cup, which is set to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico on June 12.
The 41-year-old forward appeared in high spirits during the session, taking part in drills alongside his teammates as Portugal intensified preparations for the tournament.
In a bid for his maiden World Cup title, the only title which is left to win for him, the 41-year-old will be making a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup appearance this year, having made his tournament debut back in 2004.
Portugal, the reigning Nations League champions, will begin their Group K campaign in Houston against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 17.
They will then face Uzbekistan at the same venue on June 23 before concluding their group stage against Colombia in Miami on June 27. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.
Recently, Ronaldo finally conquered Saudi Arabia after he guided Al Nassr to their 11th Saudi Pro League (SPL) title after scoring twice in a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac on Friday night, securing the superstar's first league crown in Saudi Arabia since joining the club in January 2023.
Portugal World Cup 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).
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan in India, I have nothing but respect for Ronaldo. The man has been playing at the highest level for over two decades. Sixth World Cup appearance – that's absolutely crazy! Only thing is, Portugal's group looks tricky. Congo and Colombia are no pushovers. Hope they don't slip up early.
Great to see the old warhorse preparing for another campaign. But seriously, at 41, shouldn't he consider mentoring the younger lads from the bench? Look at that squad – so much talent in midfield and attack. Yet everything revolves around Ronaldo. Portugal needs to think beyond just one player if they want to go all the way.
Honestly, I'm tired of the Ronaldo circus. Every World Cup it's the same story – "Is this his last chance?" "Can he finally win it?" The team has so many world-class players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias, but the spotlight is always on him. Let the team play as a unit, not around one aging superstar. Jus' sayin'.
Love him or hate him, you can't deny the man's sheer willpower. Winning the Saudi league at 41 is no joke. And now he's going for a sixth World Cup? That's legendary stuff. 🇵🇹 I just hope Portugal's defense holds up. They've got some shaky names in that backline. But if Ronaldo catches fire in the knockout stages, anything is possible. SIUUUUU! 🔥🔥
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