Is Cristiano Ronaldo secretly planning to lead Portugal in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Following Portugal's exit in the 2022 quarterfinals CR7 expressed a desire to extend his international career
December 28, 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo, initially expected to conclude his World Cup journey in 2022, now harbours aspirations for the 2026 edition.
Following Portugal's exit in the 2022 quarterfinals, where emotions ran high for Ronaldo, the football icon expressed a desire to extend his international career.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, revealed the possibility of Ronaldo's participation in 2026, driven by his ambitious goal of achieving 250 national team appearances.
Currently holding 205 caps and 128 goals, Ronaldo aims to play for at least another three years.
Additionally, he inches closer to the remarkable milestone of 1000 career goals, with 872 goals to his name, facilitated by his presence in Saudi Arabia.
He completed 200 matches for the national side in a Euro 2024 qualifier match against Liechtenstein — the highest by any player at the international level — is "interested" in reaching the 250-matches mark, Sportskeeda reported, citing Martinez's interview with former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg.
"I said [to Ronaldo] is 200 caps something that interests you or not? He said, '250 interests me'," Martinez said citing his conversation with the star footballer.
The previous record for the most international appearances was held by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa who featured in 196 games.
