Cristiano Ronaldo declares himself ready for World Cup, hails Portugal's 'very good generation': ‘I am very positive’

Ronaldo struck an optimistic note ahead of World Cup, expressing confidence in the team's preparations and insisting he remains in good physical condition.

Updated on: Jun 12, 2026, 20:15:30 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken about his mindset heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Portugal aiming to win the tournament for the first time in their history. The competition is widely expected to be the final World Cup appearance of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, adding extra significance to the campaign. Portugal begin their Group K journey against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Houston on June 17, before taking on Uzbekistan and Colombia. Ronaldo will be featuring at a record sixth World Cup, extending a remarkable international career that has spanned more than two decades. While he has enjoyed immense success at club level and helped Portugal win major honours, a World Cup title has remained elusive. With one last opportunity on football's biggest stage, the spotlight will once again be firmly on the 41-year-old as Portugal chase a historic triumph.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing his sixth World Cup. (REUTERS)

Ronaldo struck an optimistic note ahead of Portugal's World Cup campaign, expressing confidence in the team's preparations and insisting he remains in good physical condition despite entering the tournament at 41. The Portugal captain said the squad had worked hard in the lead-up to the competition and believes they are well placed to challenge on football's biggest stage.

"We're approaching this competition with a lot of hope," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard," continued the veteran Portugal captain who insisted he was "physically good".

Also Read - ‘If Ronaldo were 10 years younger...’: Bhaichung Bhutia on Messi vs CR7, picks Harry Kane for FIFA World Cup Golden Boot

“It's a very good generation”

Ronaldo also expressed confidence in the quality of the Portugal squad, describing it as a talented group capable of achieving something special at the World Cup. While backing the team's chances, the veteran forward stressed the importance of a strong start in the group stage and urged his teammates to take the tournament one match at a time.

"I am very positive, I believe things will go well and that we will put in a good performance.

"It's a very good generation... which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people," the forward said of the squad around him.

"The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, then follow up with the second and third... finish top of the group and from there, take it one match at a time," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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