The captain of the Portuguese national football team, Cristiano Ronaldo, expressed great hope today in a “very good generation” that will compete in the 2026 World Cup with the expectation of “bringing great joy” to the Portuguese people, despite warning about factors beyond their control.
“It is a very good generation, but there are factors that we cannot control in matches. Winning or not winning is the most important point, but I believe this is a generation that will bring great joy to the Portuguese,” Ronaldo stated.
Speaking at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras immediately before the Portuguese delegation departed today for the United States to compete in the World Cup, the team captain addressed the press and guaranteed he is in excellent physical shape. “It was a very good and tiring preparation because we worked hard, and in these past two [warm-up] matches, it’s not normal to be at the highest level.
Two very important victories prevailed where we played well and won well, but June 17th is when it truly begins. When psychological and physical fatigue sets in, with the heat intensifying, that’s when we will see the true champions,” noted the 41-year-old striker.
Read more: World Cup: South Korea beats Czech Republic with comeback (with video)
With a formula focused on “gaining confidence by winning games,” the five-time world player of the year (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017) considered a strong start to “get into the rhythm” fundamental in such a special competition.
“Winning the World Cup will depend on many factors. I am very positive and believe that things will go well and that we will put on a good performance. What is most important is to finish first in the group and take it game by game. The path is built by walking, step by step. Starting the World Cup well will be crucial,” he emphasized.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in high demand by dozens of fans who gathered at the Cidade do Futebol to say goodbye, taking photos and signing autographs alongside several other players. The team was then received by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at the São Bento Palace in Lisbon while en route to the airport.
The Portuguese squad is scheduled to depart from Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon at 15:05, heading toward Palm Beach, Florida, which will serve as the team’s headquarters during the tournament. The arrival on American soil is expected at 19:15 local time (00:15 Lisbon time), after which the selected players will head to their hotel, with statements anticipated upon arrival.
Read more: World Cup: Mexico beats South Africa in opening match (with video)
The 2026 World Cup, which kicked off on Thursday with co-host Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0, will take place until July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Portugal is placed in Group K and will make its debut on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Houston, Texas, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 local time (18:00 Lisbon time).
They will next face debutants Uzbekistan on June 23, also in Houston at 12:00 local time (18:00 Lisbon time). Portugal will close out the group stage on June 27 against Colombia in Miami, Florida, with the match starting at 19:30 local time (00:30 on June 28 in Lisbon).
