Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history as he prepares for his sixth World Cup appearance, following confirmation from Portugal's manager Roberto Martinez that he will be included in the final 27-man squad for the 2026 tournament. This remarkable achievement has drawn praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who acknowledged the significance of Ronaldo's accomplishment.

Infantino's Praise

Gianni Infantino took to Instagram to commend Ronaldo, stating, “An incredible achievement by an inspirational player – it’s a record sixth successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign for Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal booked their place at the 2026 edition.” He emphasized the uniqueness of this milestone, noting that Ronaldo will have the opportunity to represent his country at six FIFA World Cups, a feat unmatched by any male player to date.

Potential Companions in History

Ronaldo may not be the only player to reach this milestone, as both Lionel Messi and Guillermo Ochoa are also in contention for their sixth World Cup appearances. While their final squad selections are still pending, the likelihood of their participation in the North American tournament remains high.

Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey

Ronaldo's World Cup journey began in 2006 in Germany, where he scored his first tournament goal at the age of 21. Portugal finished fourth in that tournament, their second-best performance after the bronze medal in 1966. He returned for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scoring once again but saw his team eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain, the eventual champions.

As Ronaldo prepares for this historic event, the football world watches closely, anticipating what he will achieve on soccer's grandest stage.