Producing another fine performance to help Portugal beat Germany in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, the match at the Allianz Arena served as yet another reminder of Cristiano Ronaldo's enduring quality after decades on the big stage.
Even at the age of 40, the world-class forward is showing no real signs of slowing down as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada edges closer.
Ronaldo Finally Conquers Die Mannschaft
Up until their 2-1 Nations League win in Munich, Ronaldo had never been on the winning side against Germany in his long and illustrious career. Portugal, who are +1600 with betting in the UK to win the 2026 World Cup, continue to benefit from Ronaldo’s quality and experience. Having already helped Portugal lift the European Championship, punters can use a bet calculator to get the most out of backing A Seleção at next year's World Cup. With 137 international goals in his 220 caps, there's little doubt about the legendary status Ronaldo holds in world football.
Many predicted the 2024 European Championship in Germany would mark Ronaldo's final major tournament. Helping his country reach the quarterfinals, Ronaldo could not prevent Portugal from suffering penalty-shootout heartbreak at the hands of France in Hamburg. Considering how the veteran continues to score goals on the international stage, an appearance for Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup might well be on the cards.
Ronaldo Still Has Business to Settle
After a shock quarterfinal exit to Morocco at the end of 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo will be determined not to let his story in this competition end on a low note. No player has ever featured in six World Cups, but the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has a real opportunity to make history at the upcoming tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Having already delivered the European Championship in 2016 and the Nations League title in 2018-19, Ronaldo has brought silverware to Portugal. However, A Seleção have never lifted the World Cup - and winning the biggest international prize of all would be the perfect send-off for one of football's greatest ever players.
Whenever Ronaldo is mentioned, the name Lionel Messi is never far away. The Argentine maestro, who has enjoyed a healthy rivalry with his Portuguese counterpart over the years, is also in contention to make the 2026 World Cup his last. Messi, who has had a recent injury setback, will turn 38 during the major competition, while Ronaldo will be 41 by the time a ball is kicked in the tournament opener on June 11. Regardless, there's little doubt the next World Cup will be all the more special, with two of the greatest names in modern football gracing the stage one final time.
Ronaldo continues to prove that age is just a number, and it looks like defenders will still have to contend with his pace and quality when the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup gets underway.
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