Cristiano Ronaldo: Still the Greatest Despite World Cup Absence?

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to compete in his sixth FIFA World Cup, a milestone he shares with rival Lionel Messi, after Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 tournament in North America.

The 39-year-ancient Ronaldo, though absent from the qualifying match against Armenia due to a red card received in a previous game against Ireland, will join Messi in reaching an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance. Portugal’s 9-1 victory over Armenia on November 16, 2025, confirmed their place in the expanded 48-team tournament, marking their eighth World Cup qualification overall and seventh consecutive appearance since 2002.

Despite a career laden with trophies at the club level – including titles with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, totaling 29 trophies – Ronaldo has yet to lift the World Cup trophy with Portugal. He did, however, lead his nation to victory in the 2016 European Championship and the 2018/2019 and 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League titles.

Currently boasting a career total of 961 goals, Ronaldo remains a prolific scorer. His continued presence on the international stage has prompted debate regarding his status as the greatest footballer of all time, often contrasted with Messi’s achievements.

Messi, who recently led Argentina to victory in the 2026 World Cup, already holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 games, surpassing Ronaldo’s 22. The upcoming tournament is widely anticipated to be the last for both players, given their ages – Ronaldo will be 41 during the competition, while Messi will be 39.

Portugal’s national team manager, Roberto Martinez, has affirmed Ronaldo’s enduring greatness, stating that he will be considered the greatest player ever “whether he wins the World Cup or not.” Martinez emphasized the team’s focus on maximizing their chances of success, building on the strategies that led to their Nations League triumphs.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.