m88worldcups.com – Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo will face increased competition for a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.

The 40-year-old star is confirmed to participate in the tournament, even as he celebrates another birthday during the event.

However, Ronaldo is not expected to play every minute of every match, despite remaining the national team captain. Martinez plans to bring three forwards to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Eternal Ronaldo: A Living Legend Heading to His Sixth World Cup

One of these forwards is Ronaldo, provided he remains injury-free. Another spot will be filled by Paris Saint-Germain star Goncalo Ramos, who previously replaced Ronaldo when the veteran was rested at the 2022 World Cup.

Ronaldo is unwilling to step back or play only a supporting role, but he must accept careful management at the late stage of his record-breaking career.

With predicted high temperatures at this summer’s international tournament, Martinez wants to ensure adequate depth in key positions on the field.

Will Ronaldo Be Benched Again?

Martinez told Lusa news agency: “The national team door is always open, but competition makes it very difficult to get in. Currently, we feel the need for a third striker, and this position will be very important for the World Cup.”

When asked about the previous coach Fernando Santos’ decision to rest Ronaldo at the last World Cup, Martinez added: “What happens around Cristiano is historic. He is a global football icon, but that does not limit or influence our work. Cristiano is very calm and focused on the daily routine, and that is a simple formula. When Cristiano Ronaldo performs well, it is extremely important for the national team.”

Benefits of Friendlies: Portugal vs Mexico & USMNT

Portugal should enter the tournament with confidence after winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League and securing automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

They also have pre-tournament friendlies, including two matches in Mexico and the United States in March.

Martinez emphasized the importance of these games: “We have several player profiles, and the March stage will be very important. This World Cup will be complex and demanding for European teams. Therefore, this training camp is crucial: first playing at altitude in Mexico, then in an enclosed stadium against the U.S. We feel this is perfect preparation before the World Cup.”

Having previously led Belgium in the pursuit of global honors, Martinez is confident Portugal will be ready for various challenges.

The 52-year-old coach added: “This will be my third World Cup, and I have learned that no team arrives as a champion. You have to develop in the first three matches and do everything to make players comfortable throughout the tournament. We have no history at the World Cup, and that is part of our psychological preparation. We must take it slowly and make players believe we can truly win the World Cup.”

2026 World Cup: Portugal’s Opponents & Martinez’s Contract

Martinez’s contract will expire after the 2026 World Cup, but he is not focused on his future at this time.

He stated: “That is not my focus right now. My focus is the World Cup. I am very happy with the work we are doing and the support from the federation. We are all united for the next challenge. Our goal is the 2026 World Cup, and only then will we talk about the future. I love Portugal and working with the national team. My focus is to make history so that this achievement will be remembered for the next 15 to 20 years.”

Portugal has been placed in Group K for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Houston and Miami.

They will open the tournament against the intercontinental play-off winner (Jamaica, New Caledonia, or Democratic Republic of the Congo) before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.