Cristiano Ronaldo Set for Record Sixth World Cup Appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to participate in yet another World Cup, despite missing the match that confirmed his country’s qualification.

Portugal clinched their spot in the upcoming tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico by defeating Armenia with an impressive score of 9-1 on Sunday. Ronaldo, who was suspended for this match, will have the chance to appear in a record sixth World Cup.

At 41 years old when the tournament commences next June, Ronaldo has expressed that this will be his final opportunity to secure the one major title that has eluded him. Assuming he maintains his fitness, he is likely to be included in coach Roberto Martinez’s squad, although he may face a suspension for up to two matches following his red card in Portugal’s recent 2-0 defeat to Ireland.

That unexpected loss made it imperative for Portugal to triumph over Armenia to secure the top spot in Group F, a goal achieved through standout performances by Bruno Fernandes and João Neves, both of whom scored hat tricks. “Today we saw our team back to its best: committed, supportive, and executing the game plan excellently,” remarked Martinez to broadcaster RTP.

Hungary had the opportunity to surpass Portugal at the group’s summit but suffered a late comeback defeat to Ireland, losing 3-2 in Budapest.

Should they participate in the upcoming tournament, Ronaldo and his long-time rival Lionel Messi will both make history by appearing in their sixth World Cup, surpassing legends such as Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who played in five.

Defending champions Argentina have already secured their place, with Messi having fulfilled his long-held ambition by leading his team to victory in Qatar 2022.

While Ronaldo has won the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, he has yet to add a World Cup to his extensive collection of trophies, which includes five Champions League titles and league championships across England, Spain, and Italy.

As he approaches the latter stages of his career and transitions from top-tier European soccer to play in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to enhance his remarkable legacy. Earlier this year, he guided Portugal to a Nations League title and recently became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying matches, with a tally of 41 goals.

Although his suspension prevented him from adding to that remarkable record last Sunday, there was no shortage of goals from Portugal in his absence, with Fernandes scoring three times—including two penalties—and Neves netting a hat trick as well, marking a resounding victory.