In a recent interview, Portugal’s main man in the midfield spoke to the media about their chances of winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, which starts in June 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Eventually, Bruno Fernandes feels Cristiano Ronaldo will have a vital role for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. Surely, there is no one on the planet who would disagree with this when asked about being one of the important pieces of the puzzle of Portugal’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Basically, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to start from the 11th of June 2026 and will end on the 19th of July 2026. Portugal is placed in Group K along with Uzbekistan, Colombia, and one of Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia. They will play their first match on 17th June 2026 against one of Jamaica, DR Congo, or New Caledonia, and the venue for that match will be NRG Stadium in Houston.
Also check out: FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Date, Time, Groups, Venues and all you need to know
Bruno Fernandes feels Cristiano Ronaldo will have a vital role for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup
Basically, Bruno spoke about how threatening Cristiano Ronaldo is inside the box. At the age of 40, he is still one of the top finishers in the game and delivers magical moments. He has the ability to pull the defenders away and make space for his other teammates. This is what experience gives you on the big stages, such as the World Cup. Bruno also said that if there is no Cristiano Ronaldo, they can play Goncalo Ramos, who has the ability to score goals. He is a great presser of the ball and helps you by dropping back as well.
Cristiano, inside the box, continues to be a very high-level player.
If Cristiano doesn’t play and Goncalo does, Goncalo is strong in pressing and good at diagonal runs.
I know what people think, that it’s clear we play better without Ronaldo, that the players are freer and more fluid
He also spoke about how people assume that they can play better without Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal has scored nine goals twice, with Ronaldo not being on the field for them. Let’s not forget that the World Cup can be won by the narrowest of margins, and Cristiano Ronaldo is the game’s player. In Portugal’s recent UEFA Nations League victory, Ronaldo was the top scorer for them. Just to remind you that he scored in the semi-final and final of the competition. It was against Germany and Spain, respectively.
Let’s understand this: Cristiano Ronaldo needs Portugal, and Portugal needs Cristiano Ronaldo for the World Cup. The team needs to win and suffer as a team and go to the World Cup with a positive mindset. This is surely the last World Cup for Ronaldo, and he surely deserves to hold the trophy in his hands. One thing is for sure: the fight won’t be easy as Portugal’s path becomes tougher from the knockouts.
