Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in another World Cup as Portugal secured their place in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday.
Ronaldo was not playing in Porto due to a suspension, but his absence did not stop Portugal from confirming the first position in Group F, thus, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be able to make a record sixth appearance at the World Cup. By the time the competition starts next June, Ronaldo will be 41. He has said that this is most probably his last shot at winning the trophy that he hasn’t been able to get. If he keeps fit, he will probably be in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad, although he might still be allowed to miss up to two matches following the red card he received in Portugal's 2-0 defeat to Ireland on Thursday.
Portugal defeated Armenia with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves both scoring hat-tricks and the team left no doubt about their dominance of Group F. Hungary could have gone top of the group, but a breathtaking late comeback by Ireland, with Troy Parrott completing a hat-trick, including an 80th-minute equaliser and a stoppage-time winner, meant that Ireland finished second and are going to the playoffs.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: History in the making
If both stars participate, Ronaldo and his longtime rival Lionel Messi will make history by appearing in a sixth World Cup. Argentina, the defending champions, has already secured qualification, with Messi having led the nation to victory in Qatar in 2022.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has enjoyed a glittering career, winning the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, along with five Champions League titles and domestic league victories in England, Spain, and Italy. Despite leaving top-flight European football to play in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to add to his remarkable legacy, having led Portugal to the Nations League earlier this year and becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying with 41 goals last month.
(By PTI Inputs)
