Portugal, led by coach Roberto Martinez, is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that could define an era for Portuguese football. The team already knows its group stage opponents and has mapped out a challenging path. The focus is not only on matches and formats, but also on leadership and mentality within the team. Portugal has one of the most talented generations in years, blending experience with emerging stars. The balance between ambition and pressure will be crucial for the team to go further than ever before.

The 2026 World Cup promises a historic format, with an expanded field and more matches than ever before. Portugal's position in the draw presents both opportunities and risks, as it will need consistency and resilience to advance through the stages. Amid this anticipation, Martinez has pointed to a defining quality within the team that could be decisive.

Martinez has emphasized the importance of mentality within the team, an area where Ronaldo stands out. Speaking about the players, Martinez revealed: “When I announced my first call-up to the Belgian national team, I had a very strange feeling reading the names of so many players I didn’t know. So, when I arrived in Portugal, I went to visit all 32. I asked them why they were on the national team, how did we get into football, who are our heroes? There is always a figure that explains why they love playing football.”

“I asked them who their role model was. Many players did not hesitate to answer and said Cristiano Ronaldo. It is very special and unique to have a player who has dedicated 21 years to the national team,” he told the media, before adding: “Carlos Forbes was born in 2004, when Cristiano Ronaldo was already on the national team. When the players who grew up watching him see what he does every day, they admire him.” This statement highlights Ronaldo's role as a model figure for the national team, influencing not only performance but also identity. His longevity, spanning over two decades, has made him a reference point for younger players joining the team.

Martinez praised Ronaldo's mindset, stating: “An elite player is not defined by his talent, but by his mentality and resilience.” This reflects the belief that the star's approach to preparation and commitment could be the driving force behind Portugal's World Cup ambitions.

The Portuguese team is in a competitive group alongside South Korea, South Africa, and a playoff winner, setting up a demanding start to their campaign. Their matches will take place in multiple venues in the United States, testing both the team's adaptability and depth. For the Seleção, the group stage begins on June 17 and concludes on June 27, with matches spread across Houston and Miami.

If Portugal advances, they could face teams like England or other top European teams, depending on their final position. For Ronaldo, this tournament represents what could be his last World Cup, so the motivation to secure the only major trophy missing from his career adds emotional weight to Portugal's campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates from the Portuguese national team pose for a photo with the UEFA Nations League trophy.

The combination of experience and young talents in the Portuguese national team, along with Ronaldo's mentality, are key factors for the team's aspirations in the 2026 World Cup. Adaptability and resilience will be crucial throughout the tournament.

Ronaldo's commitment to the national team, spanning over two decades, makes him a benchmark for new generations of Portuguese footballers, inspiring not only on the field, but also off it. Ronaldo's leadership is an essential element for Portugal's aspirations in the World Cup.