Jaraíz · Midfielder · #0 · Brazil · 25 yrs
After an underwhelming performance in a recent friendly against Nigeria, questions emerged about his fitness, sharpness, and whether he can still influence the biggest matches at 41 years of age. With the 2026 World Cup starting, Cristiano Ronaldo once again finds himself at the center of attention, but this time the conversation is not only about records or goals. After an underwhelming performance in a recent friendly against Nigeria, questions emerged about his fitness, sharpness, and whether he can still influence the biggest matches at 41 years of age. Portugal heads into the tournament with one of its most talented squads in recent history, yet much of the spotlight remains fixed on its legendary captain. The debate surrounding Ronaldo has intensified in recent weeks, creating another chapter in a career that has often been defined by responding to doubters. The discussion gained momentum after Portugal’s warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. While the national team secured victories over Chile and Nigeria, Ronaldo failed to find the net, something that immediately drew attention given his status as the country’s all-time leading scorer. Against Nigeria, Portugal earned a 2-1 victory, but the veteran striker missed several clear opportunities. Despite remaining on the pitch longer than any other outfield starter, he was unable to add to his remarkable international tally of 143 goals, a record that remains unmatched in men’s international soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Pedro Neto ‘s goal for Portugal For some observers, the performance raised concerns about whether Ronaldo can still be the decisive figure he has been throughout his career. Others pointed to the nature of friendly matches, arguing that the real test would come once the World Cup officially begins. Ronaldo responds to fitness concerns Just before Portugal left for its World Cup headquarters in Florida, Ronaldo laid to rest the rumors that had been circulating about his fitness. In fact, the veteran forward dismissed suggestions that he was struggling physically ahead of the tournament: “I feel very good. Haven’t you been watching the games?” O caminho faz-se caminhando 😎 Vamos com tudo 🇵🇹#sporttvportugal #MUNDIALnaSPORTTV #MundialFIFA2026 #Portugal #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/KdzK7T4OJG— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) June 12, 2026 Ronaldo also expressed confidence to Sport TV about what lies ahead. “We’re approaching this competition with a lot of hope. The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard,” he explained. “I am very positive, I believe things will go well and that we will put in a good performance.” Confidence in Portugal’s new generation While Ronaldo remains the face of the squad, Portugal arrives at the tournament with a talented supporting cast capable of challenging any opponent. Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Rafael Leao represent the present and future of the national team. 🇵🇹 “Quando as coisas começarem a apertar é aí que vamos ver os verdadeiros Campeões!”#sporttvportugal #MUNDIALnaSPORTTV #MundialFIFA2026 #Portugal #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/Qa1ueg5HIq— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) June 12, 2026 Ronaldo himself highlighted the quality surrounding him. “It’s a very good generation… which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people.” Portugal’s World Cup journey begins against DR Congo before further Group K encounters with Uzbekistan and Colombia. For the 41-year-old, the path forward is straightforward: “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.”
After shining in their most recent friendlies, Portugal face Nigeria in their final match before the 2026 World Cup. For this, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo’s status, as it is his last preparation before the long-awaited tournament. Portugal have managed to remain one of the most competitive national teams. After securing their place at the 2026 World Cup, they have played three friendlies and remained unbeaten. They face Nigeria today as their final opponent before the anticipated tournament, looking to maintain their strong form. In light of today’s clash, fans are closely monitoring Cristiano Ronaldo’s status. Cristiano Ronaldo is starting for Portugal, as he is in full physical condition. Despite this, Roberto Martínez could repeat the same approach and not allow him to play more than 45 minutes in order to avoid injuries. However, the 41-year-old striker arrives more motivated than ever, as he has not managed to score in his most recent matches with the national team and would be looking to end his goalscoring drought. Alongside the veteran striker, head coach Roberto Martínez could opt for Pedro Neto on the left wing and Francisco Conceição. With this attack, they are looking for another victory to arrive at the 2026 World Cup in top form. Gonçalo Guedes could also have an opportunity to shine from the bench, just as he did against Chile. Nevertheless, they could have a huge task against Nigeria, putting their defensive line as their maximum. While Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, they could make life difficult for Portugal. With their last defeat coming on August 12, 2025, they have put together numerous matches ending in either victories or draws, proving to be a highly competitive team. In addition, Terem Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi could trouble Roberto Martínez’s defensive line, as they are a brilliant team in attack. Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes of Portugal celebrating. Portugal confirmed lineup vs Nigeria As one of UEFA’s best national teams, Portugal arrive as clear favorites to defeat Nigeria. However, head coach Roberto Martínez will not be able to count on Rafael Leão, who received a red card in the previous match. As a result, Pedro Neto could once again have a chance to shine, as his pace and dribbling would be key. Still, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is looking to end his goalscoring drought. With this in mind, Portugal lineups as follows: Diogo Costa; Nelsom Semedo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot; Vitinha, João Neves; Francisco Trincao, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo. Nigeria confirmed lineup vs Portugal Nigeria have managed to build a highly competitive team. However, their attacking strengths are overshadowed by defensive mistakes, which caused them to miss out on the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Eric Chelle still has a squad full of stars capable of surprising Portugal. Therefore, they could arrive highly motivated for today’s match. Considering this, Nigeria plays as follows: Maduka Okoye; Christian Akpan, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Onyemaechi Bruno; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi; Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Akor Adams, Moses Simon.
