Cristiano Ronaldo 'very positive' as Portugal head for FIFA World Cup 2026

LISBON: Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday shared that he was feeling "very positive" as the reigning UEFA Nations League champions departed for their FIFA World Cup 2026 base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.

Ronaldo, who is set to participate in his sixth football mega event, said Portugal were approaching the 48-team tournament with a lot of hope, citing the hard work they have put in during their preparations.

"We're approaching this competition with a lot of hope," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard," continued the veteran Portugal captain, who insisted he was "physically good".

Despite his inability to score in any of Portugal's international friendlies against Chile and Nigeria, respectively, in a build-up to the mega event, the 41-year-old insisted he was very positive and was hopeful for things to go well before backing the current generation to bring joy to the Portuguese people.

"I am very positive, I believe things will go well and that we will put in a good performance," Ronaldo shared.

"It's a very good generation... which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people.

"The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, then follow up with the second and third... finish top of the group and from there, take it one match at a time."

It is pertinent to mention that Portugal will formally kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 17 when they take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston, while their remaining Group K matches are scheduled against Uzbekistan and Colombia on June 23 and 28, respectively.

Portugal squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP) and Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi Ankara).

Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce SK), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Ruben Dias (Manchester City) and Tomas Araujo (SL Benfica).

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samuel Costa (Mallorca), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Bernardo Silva (Manchester City).

Forwards: Joao Felix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).