Cristiano Ronaldo shared a family image with his partner and their five children on Sunday, noting simply that he was glad to be home. The next morning he arrived first at the national training center in Oeiras and led the initial session with his customary opening run, beginning what Portugal hopes will be its most successful campaign.
At 41, Ronaldo is competing in his sixth World Cup, widely expected to be his final appearance. Among outfield players at the tournament he is the oldest, holds the record for most caps with 226, and has scored the most international goals with 143. Portugal daily A Bola highlighted these figures to illustrate his central role in the squad.
Coach Roberto Martínez rejected any notion that Ronaldo was selected for past achievements alone. He pointed out that Ronaldo had scored 25 goals in his previous 30 internationals and praised his ongoing drive to improve daily, calling him an example for the team. Martínez stressed that Ronaldo remains in the squad because he continues to perform at the required level.
Martínez opened his first training session with 23 players present. The four missing players from Paris Saint-Germain had earned rest after recent club successes and will join the group on June 6, ahead of warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria. The squad will then travel to the United States on June 12.
During the group stage Portugal will stay at a resort in Palm Beach, Florida, roughly ten minutes from Mar-a-Lago. The property features 207 rooms, private beach access, gardens, pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant, with rates ranging from about one thousand to over eight thousand euros per night. The venue is known for discreet service to prominent guests.
Portugal is drawn in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, opening against Congo on June 17. Martínez briefly noted concerns over an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The coach expressed hope of reaching the final in New York on July 19, citing Portugal’s past achievements in major tournaments and stating that 2026 could be the year the team achieves its potential. Federation president Pedro Proença described the squad’s average age of 28 as suitable for winning the title.
Martínez also spoke about the late Diogo Jota, describing the loss as traumatic and tragic while remembering him fondly as a source of inspiration. Midfielder Rúben Neves added that the memory could provide extra motivation during difficult moments.
Ronaldo has appeared in five previous World Cups without lifting the trophy. On Monday he was again the first player on the training pitch.
