‘Have you not seen my matches?’ – Ronaldo brimming with confidence ahead of World Cup

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Cristiano Ronaldo insists there are no concerns around his physical condition as he prepares to represent Portugal at the World Cup.

Ronaldo is the only player to have scored in five World Cups. He is set to become the first man in history – potentially alongside Lionel Messi – to appear in six editions.

At 41, he would also become the tournament’s second-oldest outfield player, after Roger Milla (42).

Ronaldo enters the tournament in good form, leading Portugal in qualifying with five goals, while also finishing as Al-Nassr’s top scorer (28 goals) as they won the Saudi Pro League title.

“Physically? I’m fine – have you not seen my matches?” said Ronaldo.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, Portugal have defeated Nigeria and Chile in friendlies, winning both matches 2-1.

When asked about Portugal’s preparations, Ronaldo added: “It has been good but tiring because we’ve worked hard.

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 13, 2026

“We’ve had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount – that’s when we’ll see the true champions.

“We’re really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we’re heading there full of hope.

“I believe this is a generation that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people.”

Ronaldo will look to make a strong start at the tournament when Portugal face DR Congo in their opener on June 17.

Portugal’s best World Cup finish was 60 years ago, when they came third in England in 1966.

Since then, their only other semi-final appearance was 20 years ago in Germany.

Portugal are one of five European teams to participate in every World Cup since 2002, alongside England, France, Germany and Spain. They have reached the knockout stage in four of the last five editions.

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