Potiguar Mossoró · Carioca - 1 · Midfielder · #21 · Brazil · 21 yrs
Packed streets of Amman and Tashkent will be lively with Asia’s debutants determined they are not just here to make up the numbersBefore eagerly awaited meetings with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo comes slightly less glamorous but hugely important first ever World Cup games for Asia’s debutants. Jordan take on Austria on Wednesday before meeting Algeria and Argentina, while Uzbekistan kick off against Colombia, then Portugal and DR Congo.Jordan v Austria has been used as an example of a game that will challenge Fifa’s dynamic pricing system but regardless of how full the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is, the cafes in Amman’s Prince Muhammad Street and all around the country will be packed. They were a year ago, as fans watched Portugal beat Spain in the Uefa Nations League final, three days after the World Cup spot had been secured with the city still buzzing with the thought of Al-Nashama (The Chivalrous Ones) taking on the superstars of the world and … here they are. Continue reading...
Lionel Messi's Argentina captured the No. 1 spot in the final FIFA rankings' update ahead of the 2026 World Cup, leaving fans wondering exactly where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal lands heading into the tournament. The FIFA rankings have been updated for the last time before the 2026 World Cup gets underway, with Lionel Messi‘s Argentina holding firm at the top spot. The update also answers where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal stands heading into the tournament. The first round of pre-tournament friendlies last week delivered some notable upsets that reshuffled the rankings. Spain’s 1-1 draw with Iraq and France’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast caused both La Roja and Les Bleus to slide from the positions they had been occupying as Europe’s dominant sides. Those results, combined with Argentina‘s win over Honduras, were enough to push Messi’s side back to the summit. A subsequent 3-0 victory over Iceland then cemented the Albiceleste’s hold on first place, and despite Spain and France bouncing back with 3-1 victories over Peru and Northern Ireland respectively, neither European powerhouse could claw their way back above Argentina. Portugal‘s position was largely unaffected by the pre-tournament activity. After the March international window, the Selecao had accumulated 1,763.83 points, and back-to-back 2-1 wins over Chile and Nigeria nudged that total up to 1,767.85 points, though Ronaldo‘s side remained in fifth place in the global standings. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the warmups. When will the next FIFA ranking update be released? As FIFA confirmed on its official website, the most recent update was published on June 11, ahead of the tournament’s opening game between Mexico and South Africa. The changes reflected results from the pre-World Cup international window, building on the movements that had already been recorded during the March break. The next official FIFA ranking update is scheduled for July 19, 38 days after the World Cup kicked off in North America. That date coincides with the tournament’s conclusion, with the championship match taking place at MetLife Stadium, and the outcome of the competition will instantly produce significant movement across the rankings. Final FIFA ranking top 10 before the 2026 World Cup Argentina — 1877.27 points.Spain — 1874.71 points.France — 1870.70 points.England — 1828.02 points.Portugal — 1767.85 points.Brazil — 1765.86 points.Morocco — 1755.10 points.Netherlands — 1753.57 points.Belgium — 1742.24 points.Germany — 1735.77 points.
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!Happy GWC Day everyone! Sure, Bigger Cup may have become the pinnacle of football in the 21st century, but nothing stirs the child within like the beginning of a Geopolitics World Cup. The 23rd edition kicks off on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, a venue that is a World Cup Proustian rush all on its own. The two greatest players of all time, Pelé and Diego Maradona, both won the World Cup in that stadium. Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal and the other modern greats won’t be able to do that this year, as the final is being played in the USA USA USA. As you may have read, that country is currently run by a disinfectant-peddling despot, and its approach to inclusivity has been one of many controversies heading into the tournament. Continue reading...
Cristiano Ronaldo will begin his preparation for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, when they face Congo DR for Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The forward is heading to the game after performing 65 minutes in the last pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria. The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022. So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 973 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC scoring a bicycle kick. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
After Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes got subbed off in the game against Nigeria, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez addressed the workload management plan both stars had ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes, two of Portugal‘s most pivotal players, had their minutes carefully managed in the final friendly against Nigeria. After the match, head coach Roberto Martinez explained the workload plans in place for both players as the Selecao make their final preparations heading into the 2026 World Cup. Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their last pre-tournament friendly, with Ronaldo substituted off in the 65th minute in favor of Goncalo Ramos. The more concerning moment, however, involved Nuno Mendes, who entered at halftime before being replaced in the 80th minute, immediately raising alarm bells about a potential injury. At his post-match press conference, Martinez moved quickly to clarify the situation: “The plan we had for Cristiano, based on the information we have, was for him to play 45 or 60 minutes. Nuno Mendes also had an individual plan for 30 minutes, Gonxalo Ramos as well, and Vitinha and Joao Neves for 45.“ Beyond the individual load management, Martinez highlighted the broader objective behind the approach. “The important thing is to work on the individual aspect, but to have a team that manages to finish the match stronger than it started. And that shows a job well done, focus, and clarity in executing the concepts. We are much better prepared.“ Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (R) tries to escape Alex Iwobi of Nigeria (L). With goalkeeper Diogo Costa the only player to complete the full 90 minutes, Martinez rotated every outfield player against Nigeria. Ronaldo logged the most minutes among the outfield starters, while Mendes was given a tightly controlled stint given the physical toll of the UEFA Champions League final, with Vitinha and João Neves afforded just slightly more time on the pitch. Martinez also took a moment to reflect on what the occasion meant beyond the tactical preparation. ‘It was fantastic to be with our fans; this last match had a special energy. I think we are prepared in every aspect to carry the pride and the dreams of our Portuguese people,” he added. Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against DR Congo? There is every expectation that Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup for Portugal‘s World Cup opener against DR Congo. The forward is in good physical condition, and his substitution against Nigeria was purely a matter of planned workload management rather than any fitness concern. After the game, Martinez acknowledged that he has not yet locked in his starting eleven for the June 17 clash against DR Congo, noting that “the eleven is a consequence of the work up until the last day.” At the same time, he made clear that confidence within the squad is high. “After the friendlies, we are better prepared to face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia,” the coach said.
The Portuguese superstar has been closely linked with Almeria's recent rise, and the Spanish club now finds itself on the verge of achieving something significant off the pitch after a dramatic night in the La Liga promotion playoffs. Cristiano Ronaldo may be preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, but developments away from international soccer are also giving him plenty of reason for optimism. The Portuguese superstar has been closely linked with Almeria’s recent rise, and the Spanish club now finds itself on the verge of achieving something significant off the pitch after a dramatic night in the La Liga promotion playoffs. The latest chapter of Almeria‘s season delivered excitement, tension, and a memorable late twist. After surviving an intense semifinal battle against Castellon, the club has moved one step closer to completing a remarkable journey that could transform its immediate future. Almeria booked its place in the Primera Division promotion playoff final after an unforgettable victory over Castellon. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the return match appeared destined for extra time before a stunning stoppage-time winner changed everything. The contest swung back and forth throughout the evening. Almeria initially took the lead through Adrian Embarba, only for Castellon to respond with goals from Calatrava and Sienra to put the visitor in control. ¡NO APTO PARA CARDÍACOS! 😳🔥 Marca Álex Muñoz para volver a poner la igualada en el #AlmeríaCastellón. #LALIGAHighlights | #DESENLACELALIGA | @U_D_Almeria pic.twitter.com/8wab9a2lS3— LALIGA HYPERMOTION (@LaLiga2) June 9, 2026 With the clock ticking down, the Rojiblancos looked to be heading for extra time. However, Alex Munoz restored parity in the 80th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic finale in front of a packed home crowd. Unlikely hero emerges The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute when Serbian midfielder Marko Dzodic produced the most important goal of his career. Arriving at the far post, he connected with a difficult header that flew into the net and sparked celebrations throughout the stadium. The goal was especially surprising given Dzodic’s limited scoring record. Before this season, he had managed only a single goal in his professional career, making his playoff winner even more remarkable. 🔜 Directo a la final.❤️ @U_D_Almeria 🤍#DesenlaceLALIGA | #LALIGAHYPERMOTION | #insideLALIGA | #AlmeríaCastellón pic.twitter.com/zF5uSKJhXJ— LALIGA HYPERMOTION (@LaLiga2) June 9, 2026 The success Ronaldo is waiting for and the final obstacle The dramatic victory means Almeria is now through to the La Liga promotion playoff final and sits just two matches away from securing promotion back to La Liga. That achievement represents the success that many around the club have been targeting throughout the season. After finishing third in La Liga 2, Almeria earned a playoff place and now stands within touching distance of returning to Spain’s top flight. For Ronaldo, who has been associated with the club’s ownership structure, promotion would represent another positive milestone in his growing influence off the pitch. The prospect of seeing Almeria compete among Spain’s elite clubs next season is now a genuine possibility rather than a distant ambition. 🌟 En busca de un SUEÑO.@MalagaCF 🆚 @UDLP_Oficial ⏰ 21:00 horas.✍️ ¿Un resultado para el #MálagaLasPalmas?#LALIGAHYPERMOTION | #DesenlaceLALIGA pic.twitter.com/nVZw4g4N0A— LALIGA HYPERMOTION (@LaLiga2) June 10, 2026 The Cowboys’ attention now shifts toward the playoff final, where promotion to La Liga will be decided across two legs. The club will face either Malaga or Las Palmas, who remain locked in their own semifinal battle. Malaga currently holds a narrow advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg against Las Palmas. That tie remains open, meaning Almeria must wait to discover its final opponent. The playoff format leaves no room for mistakes. A strong season can quickly be forgotten if a te
Portugal will square off against Nigeria in a 2026 international friendly. Here’s how fans in the United States can watch the matchup live. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Portugal vs Nigeria on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Portugal vs Nigeria WHAT International Friendly WHEN 3:45pm ET / 12:45pm PT • Wednesday, June 10, 2026 WHERE Fubo, FOX Soccer Plus and ViX STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Portugal will make its final preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a friendly against Nigeria, one of Africa’s most talented national teams. While the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on qualification, they still boast plenty of quality and will look to make a statement against a European heavyweight. Meanwhile, Portugal enter the tournament among the title favorites, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading a squad packed with talent across the field. Don’t miss this exciting matchup as both teams look to build momentum on the international stage. More details on how to watch With Fubo, you can watch Portugal vs Nigeria and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast. Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision. Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more. The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Former Real Madrid an Juventus teammate Danilo praised the Portugal legend claiming that "people think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy." Cristiano Ronaldo has left his mark on every single club he’s played for, influencing not only the fans but also his own teammates with his unwavering dedication. Reflecting on his time playing alongside him, Brazilian defender Danilo praised the Portugal legend and pushed back against the myth surrounding him, claiming that “people think Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy.“ While reflecting on legendary locker room figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini during his time at Juventus in an interview with The Athletic, Danilo addressed about how Ronaldo was like as a teammate: “I’d played with him at Madrid (too). In Turin, he was more experienced but still scoring a lot of goals, still professional all the time. He pushed you, made you perform at your best in training, in games.“ First at Real Madrid and later at Juventus, Danilo had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Ronaldo across two different clubs, lifting major silverware together including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 UEFA Champions League titles. Yet, beyond his game-winning performances on the pitch, it was Ronaldo’s daily intensity in training that truly made his presence felt. The Brazilian full-back then offered some insight into the contrast between Ronaldo’s public persona and the man his teammates knew. “People think Cristiano is like an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy who would laugh and have a good time with his family. But of course, Cristiano lives for football, in almost everything that he does, to be better every day,” Danilo added. Danilo (R) of Juventus FC celebrates with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo (L) after scoring the opening goal. Now 34 years old and playing out the twilight of his career with Flamengo, Danilo still managed to secure a spot on Brazil’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti holds Danilo in high regard, valuing the veteran right-back’s leadership qualities and tournament experience even if he is no longer at the absolute peak of his physical powers. Having shared a locker room with one of the greatest players ever and now playing under one of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Danilo drew a striking parallel between the two: “Ancelotti is like Cristiano. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.“ Ronaldo’s lasting impact on Danilo Upon arriving at Juventus in 2019, Danilo spent two more seasons alongside Ronaldo before the forward’s high-profile return to Manchester United in 2021. Even so, that window was more than enough for the Brazilian to forge a tight bond with the Portugal captain, leading to a heartfelt send-off when Ronaldo departed Italy. In a past Instagram post, the veteran defender dedicated a special message to his longtime teammate: “It was a pleasure to share two successful years with you, and also to learn from you every day how to be stronger in every situation, to be a fighter and to be extremely professional! Thanks for the friendship that we have made during this time. I wish you all the best for the next step. Keep making people happy!“ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danilo (@daniluiz2)
Jurgen Klinsmann has named Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing similarities with Lionel Messi's Argentina as part of his reasoning. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, debates over the tournament favorites continue to intensify. Jurgen Klinsmann weighed in on the discussion, naming Portugal as one of the leading contenders while comparing Cristiano Ronaldo‘s role with the team to the one Lionel Messi has with Argentina. During a recent appearance on The Overlap podcast, Klinsmann was asked for his prediction on the next World Cup champion. He made it clear that he has at least two favorites and began by naming one of them. “Portugal, because I see a little bit similarities to Argentina in Qatar, where everybody played for Messi,” said the German legend. “In Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team.” However, Klinsmann did not limit his praise of Portugal to Ronaldo‘s presence alone. He also highlighted other qualities that make the national team a serious contender: “It’s an incredible team of quality, with a very very good coach, Roberto Martinez.” Jurgen Klinsmann was head coach of the USMNT. The other World Cup favorites, according to Klinsmann In the same conversation, Jurgen Klinsmann named two other teams that, in his view, have just as much chance as Portugal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I think Brazil has also a shot at it,” said the former striker. “And England has absolute qualit… if they have the believe,” added Klinsmann before joking: “I’m not saying that because they have a German coach. I’m saying that because they have the team to do that.” The joke was, of course, a reference to the fact that he shares his nationality with Thomas Tuchel. Who is Jurgen Klinsmann? Jurgen Klinsmann‘s comments carry weight given his status as one of soccer’s biggest stars of the late 20th century. He spent five seasons with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga before joining Inter Milan in 1989, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. He later played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, and Bayern Munich. Klinsmann is especially remembered for his performances with the Germany national team. He played a key role in Germany’s triumph at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and also represented his country at the 1994 and 1998 editions of the tournament.
After helping to shock Italy in the playoffs, the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain is out to upset co-hosts Canada in their opening match on Friday“Sometimes there is an end for all of us, maybe mine is coming soon,” says Edin Dzeko, though first there is the small matter of captaining Bosnia and Herzegovina at only their second World Cup, lessons learned. “When I was 17, 18, people were telling me: ‘Experience is something you get by playing for so many years,’” he says, screwing up his face a little, “when you think like a 17-year-old.” A smile unravels on Dzeko’s face. “But when you arrive at this age you know experience is fundamental.”When he was sold by the Sarajevo-based Zeljeznicar to the Czech team Teplice as a teenager, few envisaged him forging an elite career that has taken him to Europe’s best leagues and the biggest stages in the game. He is one of seven fortysomethings who could feature at the tournament this summer, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric and, just like those two, inevitably much of the intrigue in Dzeko is rooted in longevity. To cut to the chase, what are the secrets to his success? Continue reading...
A last World Cup – surely – for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Portugal are in great shape for a long run in the competitionThis article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 11 June. Continue reading...
