Ronaldo prepares for sixth World Cup as Portugal faces DR Congo
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 11:25 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for his sixth World Cup with Portugal, approaching the tournament with the same intensity as his first, according to coach Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo, who holds the record for 143 international goals, remains a crucial player on a strong Portuguese squad eyeing their first World Cup title. The team will face DR Congo in their opening match. Martinez highlighted the importance of Ronaldo's experience and ability to lead the group, while also acknowledging concerns over his recent performance in major tournaments.
- •Portugal's opening match is against DR Congo.
- •Ronaldo has not scored in his last nine major tournament matches.
- •Bruno Fernandes emphasizes the honor of playing alongside Ronaldo.
- •Martinez's contract will end after the World Cup.
- •Portugal's group includes Uzbekistan and Colombia.
- 12:08 PMESPN Soccer — Ronaldo has youthful enthusiasm in sixth WCup
- 1:41 AMYahoo Sports — Ronaldo as excited for sixth World Cup as his first, says Martinez
"Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football.""He is an example and a reference for football.
"Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is showing so much intensity and enthusiasm in training it seems as though he is preparing for his first World Cup.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 17, 2026, 12:08 PMRonaldo has youthful enthusiasm in sixth WCup
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has said that Cristiano Ronaldo is showing so much intensity and enthusiasm in training it seems as though he is preparing for his first World Cup.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 1:41 AMRonaldo as excited for sixth World Cup as his first, says Martinez
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup as if it was his first, said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as "an example and a reference for football.""He is an example and a reference for football.
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