Is Ronaldo Playing in the World Cup 2026?
The chance to witness soccer greats make history doesn’t come often, especially for United States soccer fans, but here it is. In the same year he reached a record-breaking 500 goals after turning 30, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play for the first time on US soil in over a decade.
So, is Ronaldo playing in the World Cup 2026? Yes, he is. Witness soccer history as 41-year-old Ronaldo aims to reach 1,000 career goals in his final World Cup.
Ronaldo’s Race to 1,000 Goals
Ronaldo is chasing the elusive soccer feat of 1,000 career goals in competitive games, something no player has ever done before. At this point, many are saying it’s not a matter of if he’ll hit 1,000 goals, but when. With over 960 goals scored at this point, anticipation builds as Ronaldo’s confirmed final World Cup nears.
Follow along with Ronaldo’s journey to 1,000 goals here.
Who Does Ronaldo Play For?
Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, the top team in the Saudi Arabian Pro League. When he signed with the team in 2023, he became the top-paid athlete in the world. With extensive scoring achievements, trophies, and record-breaking earnings, Ronaldo has already secured legend status, but he isn’t done yet.
Ronaldo in the World Cup 2026
His Last Hurrah
With the World Cup coming to the United States for the first time in over thirty years, many fans wondered whether they’d get the chance to see Ronaldo’s greatness in their own hometown. Ronaldo confirmed in an interview at the TOURISE Summit in November that he will play in the 2026 World Cup, his sixth, and that it will definitely be his last.
Who Will Ronaldo Play For in the World Cup 2026?
Ronaldo will play for Portugal, as he has for his entire international career. In his 22 years with the team, he’s played in six FIFA World Cups, broken the record for most international team goals scored, and led the team to its first major titles.
Where Will Ronaldo Play in the World Cup 2026?
Portugal, captained by Ronaldo, is confirmed to play in three US cities so far for the World Cup.
- Atlanta, GA- Mar 31, 2026 (friendly match)
- Houston, TX - June 17 & 23, 2026
- Miami Gardens, FL - Jun 27, 2026
After the Group Stage, Portugal could play in a variety of US cities during the knockout stage, but the team has chosen Miami as its base camp.
Who Will Ronaldo Play Against in the World Cup 2026?
Ronaldo will captain Portugal in a friendly match against the United States in the lead-up to the World Cup. The team’s only decided World Cup rivals so far are Uzbekistan on June 23rd at NRG Stadium and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on June 27th.
Ronaldo World Cup Wins
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to win the FIFA World Cup. However, he holds personal World Cup records, including most World Cups scored in (five) and being the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup. The latter was awarded during Portugal’s opening World Cup match in 2018 against Spain, when 33-year-old Ronaldo scored three goals to make a dramatic tie.
When Will Ronaldo Retire?
Ronaldo has confirmed this is his final World Cup and that his retirement is approaching within the next few years. He plans to finish his career with Al-Nassr. His World Cup stint in North America may be the final time he plays on this side of the world, making it a must-see event.
Is Messi Playing in the World Cup 2026?
Lionel Messi is often thought of in tandem with Ronaldo as the pair share a legacy of excellence. Is Lionel Messi playing in the World Cup 2026? This has yet to be announced. Messi has been playing in the MLS for Inter Miami since 2023, and he has not confirmed his participation in the World Cup 2026 during the MLS break this summer.
Fans speculate Messi will participate in the World Cup as captain of the reigning champion team, Argentina, once again.
Will Messi and Ronaldo Play in the World Cup
Even if both Ronaldo and Messi confirm their participation in the 2026 World Cup, the question of whether we’ll get to see them as rivals on the world’s stage will remain up in the air. Messi’s team, Argentina, has confirmed matches against the United States, Colombia, Algeria, Jordan, and Austria, but not Ronaldo’s team, Portugal, yet. Whether we’ll get to see a match-up of these soccer giants going head-to-head depends on how deep both teams get in the tournament.
An Argentina versus Portugal World Cup quarter-final is possible in Kansas City if both teams win their groups and first knockout matches.
Ronaldo Tickets
Purchase Ronaldo tickets now. This is your last chance to see the GOAT battle for the greatest prize in soccer. His last chance to win the title, take down defending champion Argentina (and Messi), and potentially reach 1,000 goals while doing so, these matches will be historic. Explore Portugal World Cup tickets now to see Ronaldo in action on his path to 1,000 goals and World Cup greatness.
