TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he is fully fit and eager to begin what could be a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup campaign as Portugal prepares to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in its opening Group K match of the 2026 World Cup on June 18.
The 41-year-old forward started Portugal’s two warm-up matches against Chile and Nigeria. Although he did not find the net in either game, Ronaldo dismissed concerns about his physical condition.
“Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?” Ronaldo told ESPN.
The veteran striker said Portugal's preparations for the tournament have gone according to plan despite an intensive training schedule.
“It has been good but tiring because we've worked hard,” he said.
“We've had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount -- that's when we'll see the true champion.”
Ronaldo enters the tournament as the men's international football record holder for both appearances and goals, with 227 caps and 143 goals for Portugal.
Despite winning nearly every major trophy in club and international football, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is still chasing the one title missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup.
When asked about Portugal's chances of lifting the trophy, Ronaldo remained cautious.
“We'll only know at the end,” he said.
“We're really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we're heading there full of hope.”
Portugal has never won the World Cup. Its best result came in 1966, when it finished third. However, the Seleção das Quinas arrives in the United States with one of the tournament’s strongest squads.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is expected to play a key role after an outstanding season with Manchester United. Portugal is also boosted by the presence of Paris Saint-Germain quartet Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos, who helped the French club retain its Ligue 1 title and win the UEFA Champions League this season.
“We have a very good generation, but there are factors we can't control, such as the matches -- winning or not winning is the most important thing,” Ronaldo added.
Portugal will open its campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo before facing Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 28.
"The key is to start well, finish top of the group," he said.
"Then it's one game at a time, step by step, taking it calmly, building confidence and getting into our rhythm. "It will depend on many factors, but I'm very confident that things will go well."
Read: Meet Azteca Stadium, the First Venue to Feature in Three FIFA World Cups
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