Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his confidence ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing belief in his team's ability to make a strong impact on the global stage. The veteran forward highlighted the quality of Portugal’s current generation of players and stressed the importance of maintaining focus throughout the tournament, while acknowledging that success will ultimately depend on performances when the competition gets underway.
Speaking to the press, the Al-Nassr forward emphasized the unique nature of the tournament. "We are very happy and understand that the World Cup is always a special competition, just like the European Championship. We are entering it with great hope," Ronaldo stated. When questioned about his physical condition, the veteran attacker confidently replied, "Physically? I'm fine, haven't you seen the games?"
Despite high expectations surrounding Portugal's star-studded squad, Ronaldo remained measured regarding whether the team should be labeled as title favorites, noting that the outcome will only be known at the end of the tournament.
"It is a very good generation, but there are factors we cannot control, such as the games themselves. Winning or losing is the most important thing. I believe this generation will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people," he remarked.
Reflecting on Portugal's intense preparation phase, Ronaldo acknowledged that the training block was exhausting due to the heavy workload. While the team secured victories in their warm-up matches, the captain emphasized that their primary focus is strictly on their upcoming tournament opener.
"The most important thing is June 17, our first match," Ronaldo said. "And then, when things get more difficult, that is when we will see the true champions. It will depend on many factors. I am quite confident that everything will go well. It is important to finish first in the group, and then take it game by game, step by step, calmly building confidence and finding our rhythm."
