LISBON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a record sixth World Cup appearance after being included in Portugal's squad for the tournament on Tuesday.
Coach Roberto Martínez also included the late Diogo Jota as a "plus one forever" in a tribute to the player who died last year in a car crash in Spain.
Ronaldo Eyes Historic Sixth Tournament
Martínez selected the 41-year-old Ronaldo and 26 other players to give Portugal its first World Cup title. This will likely be Ronaldo's final attempt at winning soccer's most coveted trophy.
"When we talk about Cristiano Ronaldo, we talk about two players. We talk about the icon of world soccer and we talk about the player, our captain, who has the same demands as the other players." — Coach Roberto Martínez
Ronaldo is the all-time leader in appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men's national team. He is also the only man to have scored in five World Cups.
Jota Honoured as "Plus One Forever"
"The final list includes 27 names plus one," Martínez said. "To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment."
"He will be the plus one forever. The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota — he will be the plus one forever."
The 28-year-old Jota was a regular in Portugal's squad and was killed in a car crash in Spain last July.
World Cup Group Details
Portugal is in Group K along with Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo. Portugal opens against Congo on June 17 in Houston.
"The World Cup is not about playing well, not about having talent. There are many challenges. I think only a national team that has already won the World Cup can be a favorite."
Portugal won the 2025 Nations League by beating host Germany in the semifinals and Spain in the final.
Full Squad List
Goalkeepers
Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)
Defenders
Rúben Dias (Manchester City), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahçe), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Notable Outfield Players
Ronaldo (Al Nassr), João Félix (Al Nassr), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Preparation Schedule
Portugal will begin its preparations on June 1. Warmup matches are scheduled against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10. The team will travel to the United States on June 12.