Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Feature in 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the microphones as the National Team departed for the United States, but he hardly needs to do so to always be the center of attention. Upon arrival in Florida, he was also the first to disembark the plane, and it doesn't take a semiotics expert to grasp the message: the captain leads.

As I write this, I don't know which player will speak at the first press conference in Palm Beach, but I anticipate the open training session will draw many Portuguese (and others) eager to see Ronaldo. This isn't the first (nor second, nor third...) major competition where we observe that, in terms of media presence, Cristiano is bigger than Portugal – trying to argue otherwise is simply ignoring reality.

At 41 years old, and having been away from football's biggest stages for the past four years, this also isn't the first (nor second, nor third...) time the debate about CR7's starting spot has emerged. It's a debate I understand, looking at his on-field performances, and because no one should be above scrutiny. However, over time, I've come to admit it's a futile discussion. Precisely because of what I wrote earlier about this player's impact in a tournament like the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo's place in the starting XI is not in question.

Neither the national coach nor the Federation, for that matter, have given any indication otherwise. I believe some engage in this debate out of stubbornness or spite, but I think the vast majority who enter this discussion do so because they watch Portugal's games and have doubts. "I'm doing well, haven't you seen the games?" the forward retorted, as soon as he realized that if the question is asked, it's because that doubt exists. We watch the games here, and that's why you could read in A BOLA, after the match against Nigeria: "More was expected from Portugal's number 7."

But no, I won't succumb to the temptation of entering the debate. Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the World Cup; the only remaining questions are for how long and with what quality. It's up to the coach to manage the former, and only CR7 can guarantee the latter. For the supporters (or should I call them fans?), it will certainly feel strange with each play where the Portuguese demonstrates he's no longer at the level they're accustomed to. But one penalty or, by some miracle, a free-kick towards goal is all it takes for the stands to erupt in joy, as he chases 1000 goals.

As for the other players in the National Team, several are currently better than Cristiano, but everyone knows that in terms of sheer magnitude, there's no comparison. The spotlight won't be on them as much, so they should make the most of it. It wouldn't be the first (nor second, nor third...) time someone could shine when CR7 isn't the focus.