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It is hard not to get excited about a Portugal squad brimming with talent as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. The Selecao welcomed talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to their camp in Lisbon yesterday, where the bulk of the squad -- minus the PSG contingent -- held their first training session. The 41-year-old, international football’s all-time leading scorer and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is preparing for a joint-record sixth World Cup appearance in pursuit of the one major trophy that has eluded him. Fresh from winning his first league title with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, Ronaldo appears as hungry as ever and, arguably, has the strongest supporting cast of his career around him.

Before training, midfielder Rúben Neves underlined the ambition within the camp. “We are a young group, but very experienced. It is an extremely difficult competition, but our goal is undoubtedly to reach the final and win the World Cup,” said the Al Hilal midfielder.

Drawn in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and DR Congo, Portugal will warm up with home friendlies against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on June 10 before opening their World Cup campaign against Congo on June 17.