Midfielder Bruno Fernandes has declared that Portugal is determined to win the 2026 World Cup, stressing that such a success would be the perfect way to crown Cristiano Ronaldo’s career on the international stage.
The Manchester United captain spoke in an interview with Wayne Rooney, where he said that the team aims to make the big dream a reality not only for Portugal, but also as an appreciation for Ronaldo’s influence on football.
“Closing this World Cup with Cristiano winning would be something extraordinary. I really hope we can make it happen, not only for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano has given to football and the world,” Fernandes said.
Portugal enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the serious contenders for the trophy. According to Opta’s supercomputer simulations before the tournament, Portugal wins the title in 7% of scenarios, while only Spain (16%), France (12%), England (11%) and Argentina (11%) rank ahead of them.
“Selecao” are currently the reigning champions of the Nations League, a trophy they have won twice (2019 and 2025), while a decade ago they were also declared European champions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the record goalscorer in international football with 143 goals, has been the winning captain in all three successes, however the World Cup has still remained a major “claw” for him and Portugal.
The Portuguese national team is in its ninth World Cup appearance, with the best achievements being semi-finals in 1966 and 2006. At the age of 41, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be CR7’s sixth and final attempt at great glory.
Portugal begins their campaign in Group K on June 17 against DR Congo, while the group also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia.
