Ronaldo Leads Talent-Rich Portugal Into Likely Final World Cup Chase

Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous World Cup appearance for Portugal ended with him walking off overcome with emotion, aware that the tournament might have marked his farewell in Portuguese colours on football’s grandest platform.

Four years on, the veteran forward is back at the front of a Portugal side sitting fifth in the FIFA rankings. Their place among the serious World Cup challengers is built on more than reputation.

Portugal’s campaign will inevitably be framed around Ronaldo, who is set for a sixth World Cup and is widely regarded as perhaps the finest footballer the country has produced. Around him, though, is a squad packed with quality, depth and options across the pitch.

As the current UEFA Nations League holders, Portugal will feel they have a genuine chance to complete the job and win the World Cup for the first time.

Their creative burden will fall partly on Bruno Fernandes, whose passing helped him finish as the English Premier League’s leading assist-maker, along with experienced attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva.

Vitinha and his Paris Saint-Germain colleague João Neves add further strength in midfield, while Ronaldo can draw attacking help from João Félix, Pedro Neto and Juventus winger Francisco Conceição.

With so many pieces available, Roberto Martínez’s main test is finding the right blend when the pressure rises on the sport’s biggest stage.

Players to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes.

Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan.