Martinez names Portugal squad as Ronaldo to play sixth World Cup

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo will play at a sixth World Cup at the age of 41 after Portugal coach Roberto Martinez on Tuesday named a 27-man squad for the tournament, including a symbolic extra player in honour of the late Diogo Jota.

Speaking at Cidade do Futebol, Martinez said fourth-choice goalkeeper Ricardo Velho of Genclerbirligi Ankara would travel with the squad but could only be added to the official 26-man list if one of the registered goalkeepers suffered an injury.

Portugal, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, begin their Group K campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team in Houston on June 17.

They will then face Uzbekistan national football team on June 23 before concluding the group stage against Colombia national football team in Miami on June 27.

Martinez described his selection as “27 players plus one”, referring to Jota, who died in a car accident in July last year at the age of 28.