Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made his position clear on whether or not he believes Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently representing Portugal at his sixth European Championship and his overall 11th major tournament on the international stage.
The 39-year-old Portuguese superstar has overseen incredible success with Portugal, including lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy at Euro 2016.
Ronaldo, who also won the Nations League title with Portugal, is both his country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
The Manchester United legend has retained the captain’s armband for Portugal under Roberto Martinez, who replaced Fernando Santos as head coach in 2023.
Roberto Martinez has stressed that Ronaldo remains an integral part of his plans with Portugal, despite the former United star turning 39 back in February.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo has faced criticism at this summer’s Euros over his lack of impact for Portugal, with the Al Nassr superstar starting in all four matches so far.
The Portugal skipper has failed to find the back of the net at Euro 2024, while Ronaldo’s only assist came in the 3-0 win over Turkey in the Group F clash.
Ronaldo disappointed in the last-16 tie against Slovenia and saw his effort from the spot-kick denied by Jan Oblak in the first half of extra time.
However, the Al Nassr captain redeemed himself from the spot-kick in the shootout after he stepped up first and beat Jan Oblak on the second time asking.
The World Cup trophy is the only real major piece of silverware that has alluded Manchester United legend Ronaldo in his illustrious playing career.
Ronaldo will be 41 years old by the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Aberdeen and United legend Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he can’t see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner playing for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
When asked if he believes Ronaldo could play at another World Cup, Ferguson told Sport Bild (via the Metro): “I can’t imagine that.
“Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller.
“In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.”
He added: “One or two more titles would not mean much to him. Because he has had a unique career.”
Ronaldo has insisted that Euro 2026 will be his final European Championship tournament and he has no plans to play for Portugal at Euro 2028 in the UK.
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship,” he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo after the Slovenia match, as per The Athletic.
“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.
“It’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?
“It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.”
