Martinez to take three strikers to 2026 World Cup with Ronaldo in squad

Goal reports Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has said Cristiano Ronaldo will face added competition at the 2026 World Cup and that he plans to take three strikers to the United States, Canada and Mexico; the 40-year-old is heading to his sixth World Cup but is not expected to play every minute.

Martinez indicated one of the striker spots will be Ronaldo, provided the Al-Nassr forward avoids injury, and another will go to Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos. He told the Lusa news agency: "The door to the national team is always open, but the competitiveness makes it very difficult to get in.

But, at the moment, we think we need a third striker and that this will be an important position for the World Cup." Martinez also stressed Ronaldo must be managed carefully as he nears the end of his career and noted pre-tournament friendlies in March in Mexico and the U.S. — including an altitude session in Mexico and an indoor match against the USA — will be important preparation.

Key Topics

Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez, Goncalo Ramos, Portugal National Team, Al-nassr