Cristiano Ronaldo is feeling ‘very positive’ as Portugal prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday he felt «very positive» before flying with the Portugal team from Lisbon to the World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida.

“We approach this match with a lot of hope,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“The preparation was very good and tiring because we worked hard,” continued the experienced Portugal captain, who insisted he was “physically good”.

“I am very positive, I believe that things will go well and that we will perform well.

«It’s a very good generation… that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people,» the forward said of the team around him.

«The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, and then continue with the second and third… finish at the top of the group and take it one match at a time from there,» he added.

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Portugal opens its World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

At the age of 41, Ronaldo is heading to his record sixth World Cup but there are concerns in some quarters that his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.

Portugal played two friendly matches against Chile and Nigeria in recent days and won both 2-1, but Ronaldo did not score.

Portugal finished third at the 1966 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago.

Published on June 12, 2026