Cristiano Ronaldo still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup because he is determined to add another record to his collection, after reaching the milestone of six consecutive appearances in the Euro finals.
The legendary Portuguese striker wants to become the first player in history to play and score in six different World Cups. This comes after Ronaldo’s underwhelming performance at Euro 2024 after four matches.
Ronaldo has played every game for Portugal at the European Championships in Germany, helping his team reach the quarter-finals. However, he is yet to open his scoring account. Ronaldo had a great chance to do so in the group stage against Turkey, but the Al Nassr striker chose to pass the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who had the better chance.
In the round of 16, Cristiano Ronaldo also had a great chance to score from the 11-meter mark against Slovenia, when he was tasked with taking the penalty. However, his shot into the bottom right corner was blocked by goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The striker burst into tears because he regretted not being able to break his own record . And it was thanks to an excellent save from goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the penalty shootout that Portugal overcame Slovenia.
Ronaldo may retire from Euro after this season but he still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup . Photo: GETTY.
According to Relevo, the legendary striker is looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup . Now 39 years old, Ronaldo still wants to play in the World Cup in two years, aiming to break the record of becoming the first player to play and score in the tournament at that time. Currently, Ronaldo’s full focus is on the quarter-final match against France.
Former France defender William Gallas has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the 2026 World Cup when he turns 41. The veteran striker may be playing his last Euros, having won the tournament in 2016, but the World Cup is still within reach.
He has yet to win a World Cup, unlike his great rival Lionel Messi, and William Gallas believes Portuguese striker Ronaldo still wants to play in another World Cup. Speaking to Prime Casino, William Gallas said: “I think Ronaldo will. He’ll be 41 when the next World Cup comes around, but if you look at the form he’s in and the goals he’s scored, I don’t see why he wouldn’t aim for it.
Ronaldo wants to follow in the footsteps of centre-back Pepe when he joins the Portuguese national team at the age of 41 and is still running well. Photo: GETTY.
Look at the centre-back Pepe. He is 41 years old and playing in this tournament, the oldest player ever to appear at a Euro. So it is normal for Ronaldo to still want to play in the next World Cup, when he looks at Pepe’s presence and thinks he can do the same. Euro 2024 will not be Ronaldo’s last time, but I think his last dance will be at the World Cup in two years’ time.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to feature in six European Championships, but he is yet to become the first to score in all six. The Portuguese superstar will hope to change that when the European Selecao face France in the quarter-finals.
