Cristiano Ronaldo heads to a record sixth World Cup blessed with a prodigiously talented group of teammates as Portugal target glory for the first time on the global stage.

Ronaldo leads Portugal charge at sixth World Cup, Diaz shoulders Colombia hopes

With the start of the 2026 World Cup in North America now barely three weeks away, we run the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals (world ranking in brackets):

How are the World Cup favourites shaping up?

Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury, was on Friday left out of the Portugal squad to play pre-World Cup friendlies against tournament co-hosts Mexico and the United States later this month.

Injured Ronaldo misses Portugal World Cup friendlies

Portuguese veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has a hamstring tendon injury, his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr announced on Tuesday, but his participation in the 2026 World Cup does not appear to be in doubt.

Ronaldo injured but should be fit for World Cup

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Rafael Louzan has said that Spain will stage the final of the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Spain will host 2030 World Cup final, says RFEF president

Ahead of Friday's 2026 World Cup draw, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals to take place across North America next June and July.

How are the 2026 World Cup favourites shaping up?

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play his side's opening matches at next year's World Cup after FIFA suspended the final two matches of a three-match ban on Tuesday.

Ronaldo cleared to play in World Cup openers

Our moment of the week comes from last week’s Thursday World Cup qualifier between Portugal and Ireland. A player who had up to that stage never received a red card while playing for his country. It’s a moment that could have far-reaching consequences for the global football star.

SEEING RED: Ronaldo faces World Cup heartbreak

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Cristiano Ronaldo bad penalty

Cristiano Ronaldo bad penalty | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Denmark and Portugal which took place at Parken Stadium.

Denmark v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match Between Croatia and Portugal which took place at Stadion Poljud

Croatia v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Portugal and Poland which took place at Dragao, Oporto.

Portugal v Poland | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Scotland and Portugal which took place at Hampden

Scotland v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Poland and Portugal which took place at PGE Narodowy

Poland v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Portugal and Scotland which took place in Estadio do SL Benfica, Lisbon. 

Portugal v Scotland | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

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