Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly declared his ambition to help Cristiano Ronaldo claim the one honour that has eluded the 41-year-old throughout an otherwise decorated career — the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s preparations for the 2026 tournament, Fernandes did not hold back when addressing what a World Cup victory would mean, both for his country and for Ronaldo’s extraordinary legacy. “Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano winning it would be something amazing. I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world,” Fernandes said.
The sentiment carries significant weight given the broader context. Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi completed his international legacy by leading Argentina to World Cup glory at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. A triumph in 2026 would allow Ronaldo to match that milestone, rounding off a career that has already included European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal, alongside an unparalleled collection of club honours.
Ronaldo is widely expected to feature in a record sixth FIFA World Cup this summer, a feat that would further cement his standing in football history. He enters the competition as international football’s all-time leading scorer, having registered 143 goals for Portugal — a total that underscores both his remarkable longevity and his sustained influence at the highest level.
Portugal have been drawn into a group that presents a credible path to the knockout rounds. They open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in their remaining group stage fixtures.
Ahead of the tournament, Portugal are also scheduled to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a pre-competition friendly, giving Fernandes, Ronaldo, and the broader squad an opportunity to sharpen their preparation before the stakes rise.
Portugal are expected to enter the tournament as genuine contenders, with Fernandes forming part of a talented supporting cast built around their veteran captain. The squad’s depth and collective experience position them among the sides capable of mounting a sustained challenge for the title.
With the 2026 edition almost certain to represent Ronaldo’s final appearance at a World Cup, the urgency within the Portugal camp is clear. For Fernandes and his teammates, delivering the tournament’s ultimate prize for the man widely regarded as the greatest player in Portuguese football history would represent a fitting conclusion to an era-defining international career.
