Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to embark on what many anticipate will be his final appearance at the World Cup in 2026. Following the announcement of Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA qualifiers, attention has sharply focused on the legendary forward, who remains key to his nation’s hopes of securing a spot at football’s premier tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Head coach Roberto Martinez revealed the squad in a press conference, underlining the pivotal role Ronaldo will play as Portugal prepares for matches against Armenia and Hungary at the start of September. The absence of Rafael Leao, sidelined by an injury suffered during a Coppa Italia fixture, stands out as a significant talking point. Meanwhile, Joao Felix, who recently completed a transfer to Al Nassr, retains his place in the team.

Portugal finds itself in Group F for the qualifiers, alongside Armenia, Hungary, and the Republic of Ireland. Given the team’s strength and recent performances, they are widely regarded as favorites to progress with little difficulty. Ronaldo enters the qualifiers buoyed by his recent success in leading Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League, a triumph that adds momentum to his final World Cup campaign.

The presence of several Portugal internationals in Saudi Arabia’s domestic league has fueled debate among football analysts and national team managers. Some observers question whether playing outside Europe’s elite competitions could jeopardize players’ international prospects. Roberto Martinez, however, appears untroubled by this trend, having selected four Saudi-based players: Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, Felix, and Ronaldo.

Martinez addressed the controversy during his press conference, defending his selection policy and the decisions of his players to pursue careers outside Europe’s traditional football powerhouses. When asked specifically about Rodrigo Mora’s possible move to Al Ittihad, Martinez stated, “I’ve said this repeatedly — there is no such thing as a perfect transfer. The important thing is to play and face challenges that allow the player to develop and grow.”

He further emphasized that the quality of the league is less important than the contributions players make within their teams. “We have other examples like Ruben Neves and Cristiano. It’s not about the league or the national team; the important thing is the player’s role in the dressing room,” Martinez concluded.

This stance reflects a broader acceptance of football’s changing landscape, where talent is now dispersed across leagues worldwide. As Ronaldo prepares for what could be his swan song on the international stage, the focus remains on his leadership and the cohesion of a Portugal squad aiming for another deep run in global competition.