Less than 24 hours before Portugal begins the 2026 World Cup against Congo, Bruno Fernandes said he’s nervous in a way he calls “good anxiety,” while Roberto Martinez stressed Cristiano Ronaldo remains “essential” to the national team ahead of Ronaldo’s sixth
HOUSTON — Less than 24 hours before Portugal’s first match of the 2026 World Cup, Bruno Fernandes admitted he was nervous.
“It’s a ‘good anxiety. ’” the Manchester United midfielder said. adding that he always feels it when he plays for Portugal—because he knows millions of children are watching the national team and rooting for it. Fernandes said he was one of those kids once. when Portugal played at home in the 2004 European Championship and finished as runner-up.
On that Portugal squad was a 19-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Two years later, he made his World Cup debut in 2006. Now Ronaldo is 41 and playing in his sixth World Cup, an appearance he has said is likely his last.
Ahead of Portugal’s June 17 opener against Congo, Fernandes said he and his teammates cherish the chance to compete for a trophy alongside Ronaldo.
“We’ve all grown up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play and for us it’s such an honor to play next to him now in the same team,” Fernandes said. “I think he’s also anxious because at the end of the day he’s also representing his national team and we know how passionate he is when he plays for Portugal.”
Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are the only men who have played in six World Cups and scored in five World Cups. For Portugal, the numbers carry a specific edge: Ronaldo could set a record if he scores for the team during his sixth World Cup.
Portugal, meanwhile, has never won the World Cup. It’s the only major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s cabinet. Ronaldo has won five Ballons d’Or. five UEFA Champions League titles. two Nations League titles. one European Championship. two La Liga championships. and three Premier League championships—among other honors.
Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo remains “essential” to the national team.
“He’s a role model,” Martinez said. “He’s an iconic player in global football for young athletes. children male and female. who start feeling the love for football when playing on the street. and that is wonderful for us. It is his sixth World Cup but internally it feels like his first World Cup when it comes to his intensity. emotions and ability to lead the group.”.
Ronaldo added to the buildup on Tuesday, posting a photo of the Portuguese team on the social media platform X. In the post, he wrote, “Every time we wear this jersey, we feel the same pride, the same passion, and the same sense of responsibility as on the first day. Tomorrow begins a new chapter.”
Bruno Fernandes Roberto Martinez Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2026 World Cup Congo Lionel Messi Manchester United Ballon d'Or UEFA Champions League Nations League