Portugal coach Roberto Martinez declared on May 28, 2026, that Cristiano Ronaldo could still play in the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. "No one should doubt that (he could play in 2030). He's earned it," Martinez said [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Ronaldo will be 45 years old during the tournament, a remarkable age for any professional footballer. He made his Portugal debut in August 2003 as an 18-year-old and has since made 226 appearances and scored 143 goals for his country — records for a Portuguese player [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

He is also the first male player to score in five different World Cups, highlighted by a penalty against Ghana at the 2022 tournament. Both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to appear in their sixth World Cup during the upcoming 2026 contest, scheduled to begin June 11 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Martinez praised Ronaldo's mentality and hunger for the game, differing from many stars who lose drive after major titles. He said, "I have worked with many players that have won a Champions League or a Ballon d’Or and the next day they lose their appetite. What we have with Ronaldo is an example of a different mentality." He added, "Cristiano is not defined by what he eats, but by the hunger he possesses. Whatever Cristiano wins, the very next day he has the same hunger to improve" and credited this drive for Ronaldo's longevity [5].

Under Martinez's coaching, Ronaldo has scored between 16 and 25 goals in 23 to 30 appearances. Martinez insisted Ronaldo's inclusion is based on merit, not status [1, 2, 3, 4]. Despite some critique that Portugal's pressing suffers or the team works to service Ronaldo when he starts, Martinez called him a role model for young Portuguese players [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Ronaldo was sent off for an elbow in qualifying against Ireland but will start the 2026 World Cup after FIFA suspended two matches of his ban. Portugal is scheduled to play their group matches on June 17 against DR Congo, June 23 versus Uzbekistan, and June 27 against Colombia [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Ronaldo's recent form includes scoring 28 goals to help Al Nassr win the 2022-23 Saudi Pro League, marking his first league title since joining the club in 2022 [5].

Portugal begins its 2026 World Cup group campaign on June 17 against DR Congo as Ronaldo aims to add to his storied World Cup legacy [5].