Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane all made blistering starts to the World Cup. And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, 41, played all 90 minutes and did not record a shot on target, extending the decorated forward's scoreless streak to five straight World Cup matches and 10 consecutive contests at major tournaments.

Ronaldo's continued presence in Martinez's team has sparked debate over whether he is still a positive influence.

Discover Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary football legacy as Portugal prepares for the World Cup, highlighting how his intense self-belief, timeless fitness, and historic Ballon d'Or achievements continue to spark global debate among passionate fans.

Portugal beat Nigeria 2–1 in a World Cup warm-up on Wednesday, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

It is hard not to get excited about a Portugal squad brimming with talent as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Portugal will complete their World Cup preparations with a friendly against Nigeria on June 10, the Portuguese Football Federation said.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, was on Friday left out of the Portugal squad to play pre-World Cup friendlies against tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States later this month.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play his side's opening matches at next year's World Cup after FIFA suspended the final two matches of a three-match ban on Tuesday.

Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 in their final Group F qualifier on Sunday to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as group toppers, with Bruno Fernandes leading the charge with a hattrick.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday said next year's World Cup would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he plans to retire "soon" as the Portugal and Al Nassr star prepares for a tearful end to his glittering career.

Lionel Messi conjured another moment of brilliance in the 90th minute when his sumptuous left-footed curler found the corner in Inter Miami’s 2-1 loss to Nashville SC on Saturday, levelling their first-round MLS Cup playoff series at 1-1 after Miami’s 3-1 win in the first leg on October 25. The strike was Messi’s 749th with his famed left foot -- nearly 84 percent of his career total -- taking his overall tally to 892 as he closes in on the 900-goal mark. In contrast, his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, now on 952 goals, has scored 182 goals (19.1 percent of his career total) with his weaker left foot. With 892 goals in 1,132 appearances, Messi looks set to reach the 900-mark faster than Ronaldo, who took 1236 games. Photo: Reuters

Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo once again topped the Forbes highest-paid footballers list for the 2025-26 season, as one of three members of the top 10 plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which has valued the Portugal great's net worth at an estimated $1.4 billion.

 Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix both struck twice as the visitors brushed aside Armenia 5-0 on Saturday, giving Jose Martinez’s side a perfect start in their World Cup qualifiers.

Chelsea winger Pedro Neto penned an emotional tribute to his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final against PSG, stating that he wants to win the title in Jota’s memory.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner winner has often been backed by his teammates to keep playing till the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Ronaldo, who has scored in every Euros since his first appearance in 2004, has netted 14 goals in the finals. He also scored 10 times in European qualifying matches last year.

Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes and Bruno Fernandes all struck for the rampant hosts in the first half.