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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken out regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he is set to break the record for the most tournament appearances in soccer history. Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up to return to soccer’s biggest stage after manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the forward’s inclusion in Portugal’s final 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. With his presence officially locked in, Ronaldo has made history, prompting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to publicly praise the monumental achievement. “An incredible achievement by an inspirational player – it’s a record sixth successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal booked their place at the 2026 edition,” Infantino wrote on his Instagram account. Furthermore, Infantino highlighted the historic feat that Ronaldo is poised to accomplish in North America. “Cristiano now has the chance to represent his country at six FIFA World Cups – something no men’s player has yet achieved,” he added. However, Ronaldo might not be alone in achieving this landmark. Both Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa are also preparing for what could be their sixth World Cup campaigns, and while their official squad selections have yet to be confirmed, the probability of them featuring in North America remains incredibly high. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de Gianni Infantino – FIFA President (@gianni_infantino) Ronaldo’s World Cup history Cristiano’s journey with soccer’s most prestigious tournament began at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where, as a 21-year-old, he managed to score his first tournament goal across six appearances. In that edition, Portugal secured their second-best finish in history, placing fourth and narrowly missing out on matching the bronze medal secured at England 1966. Four years later, he returned for the 2010 edition in South Africa, once again netting a single goal in four matches. During that tournament, Portugal was eliminated in the Round of 16 after falling to eventual champions Spain. Brazil 2014 marked Cristiano’s toughest World Cup outing to date. Despite scoring one goal, Portugal suffered a premature group-stage exit after being drawn into a difficult group alongside Germany, the United States, and Ghana. In Russia 2018, Cristiano delivered his finest individual World Cup performance. The forward struck four times, including a sensational hat-trick against Spain in an electric 3-3 draw to open the tournament. However, collective success eluded them once again, as they were knocked out by Uruguay in the Round of 16. In his most recent appearance at Qatar 2022, Ronaldo scored just once during the group stage and subsequently lost his place in the starting lineup during the knockout rounds. On that occasion, Portugal’s journey came to an end with a shocking quarterfinal defeat to Morocco.
While the spotlight naturally fell on the 41-year-old captain, much of the discussion after the announcement centered around one unusual detail surrounding the national team selection. Cristiano Ronaldo is set for what is expected to be the final World Cup of his legendary career after Roberto Martinez unveiled Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament. Yet while the spotlight naturally fell on the 41-year-old captain, much of the discussion after the announcement centered around one unusual detail surrounding the national team selection. Portugal officially named a 27-player traveling group instead of the standard 26-man World Cup squad, immediately raising questions among supporters. The decision created intrigue ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, especially as the national team enters the competition among the favorites following its UEFA Nations League triumph. Ronaldo once again remains the central figure of the Portugal setup despite entering the final stage of his career. Along with Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa, the Al-Nassr attacker will make history at this summer’s tournament by becoming one of the very few male players to feature in six consecutive tournaments. The Selecao captain will lead a squad packed with elite-level talent from across Europe’s biggest leagues. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Ruben Dias are all expected to play key roles as Martinez attempts to guide the national team toward its first World Cup triumph. Os convocados para o Mundial 2026 🫂🇵🇹#VaiDarPortugal | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/XonTsyxiBp— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) May 19, 2026 Portugal enters Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The campaign begins in Houston before later matches in Miami and additional fixtures across North America. Roberto Martinez explains unusual squad decision The biggest talking point from the announcement quickly became the squad size itself. FIFA regulations allow only 26 officially registered players, yet Martinez intentionally traveled with 27 players. In fact, the Selecao included fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho as an additional traveling player for training support and emergency cover for injuries. Velho, who currently plays for Genclerbirligi Ankara, will stay with the squad throughout the tournament but cannot officially feature unless one of Portugal’s three registered goalkeepers suffers an injury. FIFA rules permit replacements in those circumstances, which opened the door for Martinez to make the unusual decision. “The complexity of the tournament is very important,” Martinez explained after unveiling the squad. “There are positions where we need to have more than two players per position.” The Portugal coach pointed toward travel demands, climate conditions, and scheduling difficulties as major concerns heading into the first 48-team World Cup in history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Portugal (@portugal) Why Portugal believes extra depth matters The expanded format of the tournament has created new challenges for every national team involved. Long-distance travel between venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico means recovery and preparation could become just as important as tactics. Martinez has spent months studying those conditions and believes flexibility could become decisive later in the competition. Carrying an additional goalkeeper allows Portugal to maintain full-intensity training sessions without risking exhaustion or overworking the main three keepers. “The demands of the weather, the time zone, everything we already experienced in March,” Martinez said while discussing the squad structure.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could soon stand alongside Guillermo Ochoa in one of soccer’s rarest groups, with the Mexico goalkeeper moving closer to a historic sixth World Cup appearance ahead of the 2026 tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could soon stand alongside Guillermo Ochoa in one of soccer’s rarest groups, with the Mexico goalkeeper moving closer to a historic sixth World Cup appearance ahead of the 2026 tournament. The veteran shot-stopper has already become one of the defining figures of the modern World Cup era, and his latest arrival at Mexico’s training camp has sparked emotion across the country. The 41-year-old goalkeeper joined the Mexico camp this week to begin preparations for what is expected to be the final major tournament of his career. Ochoa, currently playing for AEL Limassol, arrived early at the High Performance Center in Mexico City and immediately reminded supporters why he remains such an iconic figure for El Tri. For nearly two decades, Ochoa has represented the Mexican national team on soccer’s biggest stage. From Germany 2006 to Qatar 2022, the goalkeeper has repeatedly produced unforgettable moments, including his legendary performance against Brazil in 2014 and the penalty save against Robert Lewandowski in 2022. Now, another chapter appears ready to unfold. If he steps onto the field during the 2026 World Cup, Ochoa will officially become one of the very few players in soccer history to appear at six different World Cups, joining the company of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Mexico icon Guillermo Ochoa. The emotional weight of that possibility became clear after Ochoa shared a heartfelt message on social media before joining camp. The veteran goalkeeper admitted that this preparation period already feels different from every previous tournament in his extraordinary career. What did Ochoa say? “Putting this shirt back on was never routine… it was a privilege,” Ochoa wrote on social media. “Today marks the start of my final training camp. But this time, I see it differently. With a fuller heart, more scars, more memories… and the same excitement as that kid who once dreamed of defending this badge.” Ochoa also hinted that the upcoming tournament could represent the closing chapter of his professional career. “I’ve lived through impossible nights, endless stadiums, anthems that still give me chills, and moments that changed my life forever,” he added. “And yet… every time Mexico calls, something inside me starts anew.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Guillermo Ochoa (@yosoy8a) Then came the line that resonated deeply with supporters throughout Mexico and beyond. “Maybe soccer measures the years. But passion never learned to count time.” Joining Ronaldo and Messi in World Cup history and what it means The 2026 event will be even more exciting since it might be the first time three iconic players from across the world achieve six World Cups in the same tournament. Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal once again, while Messi remains central to the plans of the reigning world champion Argentina. Ochoa’s story feels different, however. Unlike Ronaldo and Messi, whose careers have often revolved around global superstardom and Ballon d’Or awards, the Mexican goalkeeper built his reputation through resilience, spectacular saves, and unforgettable international performances. The veteran has earned more than 150 caps for El Tri and continues to command enormous respect within the national setup. There is also growing belief that he remains determined to compete for the starting role despite his age. Questions continue surrounding whether he would start the opening World Cup match against South Africa, but few doubt his influence inside the dressing room.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are far from the only World Cup heroes set for their last dance on FIFA’s grandest stage this summer. Guillermo Ochoa, one of Mexico’s most iconic goalkeepers ever, has confirmed he will hang up his gloves after the tournament. Ochoa will hang up the gloves after the 2026 World CupGetty ‘Memo Ochoa’, who will turn 41 at the World Cup, could join Messi and Ronaldo in being included in six editions of the Jules Rimet Trophy. His country, Mexico, are co-hosting the 2026 tournament with the United States and Canada, and thus qualified as hosts. And journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Ochoa’s intention to retire on social media in a post that was reposted by the man himself. The goalkeeper, who plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, later expanded on his intention to leave his career behind after the World Cup. Ochoa set to retire after his sixth World Cup “I’m leaving calmly,” Ochoa told TUDN. “It is difficult, without a doubt, but in my case it will not be so difficult because I have enjoyed it for many years and there comes a point where your head and body say, ‘we have given everything, you have left everything’, then you leave calmly, and that will be my case.” Ochoa’s international future looked to be over after sustaining an injury in El Tri’s Concacaf Nations League clash with Honduras in 2023. Luis Angel Malagon emerged to become Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper until he ruptured his Achilles tendon in March. Ochoa returned to Javier Aguirre’s squad for the friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, although he was an unused substitute for both matches, meaning his last appearance was in November 2024. Ochoa could be set to feature in his sixth World Cup after returning to the squad this yearGetty Ochoa’s World Cup stats Memo’s back-up role this summer will take some adjusting for fans who have watched him star for Mexico at the past three World Cups. He first arrived at football’s grandest tournament in 2006 as the third goalkeeper but failed to play a single minute. That decision looked to have been an epic mistake, with Ochoa going on to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or just a year later. In fact, his 2007 nomination made him one of only three players who were plying their trade in a non-European league at the time. Ochoa again didn’t play a minute at the 2010 World Cup, but rose to international acclaim in Brazil four years later. Ochoa labelled his own performance ‘unforgettable’ after Mexico drew 0-0 to Brazil at the 2014 World CupAFP Mexico went unbeaten in the 2014 group stages, conceding just once across three games while keeping a clean sheet against hosts Brazil. A Round of 16 exit to the Netherlands followed, but Ochoa returned to the World Cup with a bang in Russia 2018. The 40-year-old kept another clean sheet against an elite nation to help Mexico to a 1-0 win over Germany. The Last-16 again proved their undoing, but Ochoa truly cemented his World Cup legacy in Qatar despite El Tri’s group-stage exit. Mexico’s long-standing No.1 saved a penalty from Robert Lewandowski to rescue a goalless draw with Poland. And only a 95th-minute consolation from Saudi Arabia‘s Salem Al Dawsari meant Ochoa’s side failed to qualify on goal difference. At 37, Ochoa saved a penalty from Lewandowski at the 2022 World CupGetty Throughout the past 12 years, Ochoa has been celebrated for the cat-like reflexes that have also made him a legend in Mexico. As such, it’s ironic that ‘Memo’ has also been named after a rescue puppy adopted by his compatriot and Hollywood icon, Salma Hayek. The Oscar-nominated actress is a huge football fan, with her father-in-law, French billionaire businessman François Pinault, founding the group that owns Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais. And while appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Hayek hilariously admitted she faked an affair as cover to adopt her dog, Ochoa. Salma Hayek’s husband is the president of the group who own Stade RennaisGetty “I had promised my husband I was going t
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already closing in on what would likely be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, but Guillermo Ochoa has now emerged as a fresh part of that story. The road to the 2026 World Cup continues to deliver unexpected turns with just 41 days to go. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are already closing in on what would likely be a historic sixth World Cup appearance, but Guillermo Ochoa has now emerged as a fresh part of that story. All three figures are chasing the same rare milestone, with the possibility of reaching six World Cup appearances, something no player has achieved before. Now, a new decision from the Mexican veteran has added fresh intrigue to that race. The latest development comes after uncertainty around Mexico’s goalkeeper depth chart heading into the tournament. Injuries and shifting form among younger options reopened the discussion over whether Ochoa could still have a role for the national team despite approaching the final stage of his career. The 40-year-old remains active at Limassol in Cyprus and has repeatedly made it clear that he still believes he can contribute. His vast experience, leadership, and proven World Cup pedigree have made him impossible to ignore. Mexico icon Guillermo Ochoa. Mexico’s coaching staff had been considering several names for the goalkeeper unit, including Raul Rangel and Carlos Acevedo. However, Ochoa’s experience on the biggest stage gives him an edge that statistics alone cannot fully measure. Ochoa’s reported decision revealed In the middle of the growing speculation, clarity has emerged around Ochoa’s future. Reports confirm that he is set to be included in El Tri’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting him in line for a historic appearance. According to Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), Guillermo Ochoa is set to be included in Mexico’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he would make his sixth World Cup appearance before retiring from professional football immediately after the tournament. 🚨🇲🇽 Memo Ochoa will play his 6th World Cup representing Mexico as the legendary goalkeeper will make the squad.Ochoa will then retire from professional football right after, leaving club and national team. 👋🏼 pic.twitter.com/fnJX2B3O6s— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 30, 2026 That would place him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are also expected to feature for Portugal and Argentina, respectively. If all three appear, they would stand together in one of soccer’s most exclusive groups. For Ochoa, the tournament would also serve as a farewell to both club and international action. After more than two decades at the professional level, the 2026 World Cup would become the final chapter of an extraordinary career. Career built on World Cup moments If everything unfolds as expected, the implications are enormous. Ochoa would join Ronaldo and Messi in becoming the first players ever to appear in six different World Cups, a milestone that has remained out of reach throughout the sport’s history. All three share a similar timeline. Their journeys began in Germany in 2006, continuing through South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022, creating a rare alignment across different eras of the game. For Ochoa, the path has been unique. He started as a backup, grew into a leader, and eventually became one of the most recognizable goalkeepers on the global stage. His performances, particularly in tournaments like 2014, turned him into a symbol of resilience for the national team.
