Portugal Without Ronaldo: Can They Win the 2026 World Cup?
I’ve been watching Portugal closely this year, and one question keeps coming up in every football conversation: can this team actually win a World Cup without leaning entirely on Cristiano Ronaldo?
It’s a fair question. For over two decades, Portugal’s identity has been tied to one man. But heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the picture looks a bit different. Ronaldo is still in the squad, still the captain, and still hungry for that elusive title. But what happened when he was absent tells us a lot about where this Portuguese side really stands.
What Happened When Ronaldo Was Left Out
Portugal’s two largest victories of all time both happened while Ronaldo was absent through suspension. The most recent was a stunning 9-1 dismantling of Armenia during World Cup qualifying, where hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves lit up the scoreboard.
That result was not just a number. It was a statement that Portugal could ruthlessly punish weaker opposition while maintaining their possession-heavy identity, showcasing the squad’s remarkable depth even without Ronaldo on the pitch.
Then in March 2026, Portugal’s final World Cup preparation camp took place without Ronaldo, who had suffered a hamstring injury while at Al Nassr. Coach Roberto Martinez said the injury was minor and not a concern for the tournament.
Without Ronaldo during that March window, Portugal controlled Mexico for 90 minutes, hit the post through Goncalo Ramos, and left without a goal they deserved. The performance was controlled and fluid.
If you want the broader context of how global sports stories are shaping up this summer, check out our coverage on the USMNT’s World Cup preparation ahead of a massive summer.
The “Better Without Ronaldo” Debate: What Bruno Fernandes Said
This is where it gets interesting. A lot of analysts and former players have suggested Portugal play with more freedom when Ronaldo is not on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes pushed back firmly on that idea. “I know what people think, that it’s clear we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid,” Fernandes said. “I think that, if that happens, it’s partly our fault. We can’t worry if Cristiano is on the pitch, because Cristiano can give us things.”
Former USMNT star Taylor Twellman, on the other hand, believes Portugal actually performs better without Ronaldo at this World Cup. Meanwhile, coach Roberto Martinez has consistently backed his captain and continues to view his leadership as a crucial part of the team’s identity.
It is worth noting that the 2026 American Music Awards are heating up with celebrity storylines this summer, and Ronaldo’s World Cup journey is shaping up to be just as compelling from a celebrity standpoint.
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup Squad: Who Is Actually Playing?
Portugal’s 26-man squad includes some serious European talent across every line. In goal, Diogo Costa leads the group. The defense is anchored by Ruben Dias and Goncalo Inacio, with Nuno Mendes at left-back. The midfield features Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Neves. Up front, the attacking options include Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo himself.
The midfield is arguably Portugal’s greatest strength. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, and Joao Neves form a unit that could rival any in the tournament.
Goncalo Ramos at PSG has been the standout striker to watch when Ronaldo sits. He is fast, clinical, and already shown what he can do on the big stage after his hat-trick performance as a substitute at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
For readers tracking global sports and celebrity career stories around the 2026 entertainment and sports seasons, Ronaldo’s potential final World Cup is one of the biggest narratives of the year.
Portugal’s World Cup Group and Path Forward
Portugal opens their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 17 against DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston. They then face Uzbekistan on June 23, also in Houston, before wrapping up the group stage against Colombia on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium.
On paper, that is a manageable group. DR Congo and Uzbekistan are not top-tier opponents, though Colombia will be a real test.
Under Martinez, Portugal have averaged over 70% possession across qualifying matches and won four of six fixtures. The campaign was dominant in its headline numbers, including 20 goals scored during qualifying, but not without turbulence. A defeat to Republic of Ireland exposed some midfield vulnerabilities.
You can get the latest global sports news updates in our sports section covering major international events.
What Ronaldo Still Brings at 41
Let’s be honest. Ronaldo at 41 is not the same player he was at 27. But dismissing him entirely is a mistake.
He is still international soccer’s all-time leading male goalscorer with 143 goals across 226 appearances. He still makes every selection when healthy. He is desperate to add to that tally, and the defensive attention he commands remains a genuine tactical factor regardless of form.
He could become the first player in history to score at six different World Cup editions in 2026. He has eight World Cup goals so far but has never gone beyond the semi-finals, when Portugal were beaten by France 1-0.
According to Reuters coverage of the 2026 World Cup buildup, Portugal are considered among the stronger European nations in this tournament.
The Bottom Line
Portugal is a deeper, more balanced squad than they have been in years. The midfield quality is elite. The young forwards are ready. And the coaching structure under Roberto Martinez has given them real tactical clarity.
Ronaldo adds something no other player can. His presence draws defenders, his experience in big moments matters, and his goal record speaks for itself. But the evidence from this qualifying campaign shows Portugal do not collapse without him. They actually thrive.
The 2026 World Cup is Ronaldo’s last shot at the title he has been chasing his whole career. Whether he leads Portugal there or supports from the bench at key moments, this Portuguese side looks capable of going deep into the tournament on their own terms.
