Overview
- The Portugal coach says selection is grounded in three pillars — talent, experience and attitude — keeping the captain an undisputed starter.
- Under Martinez, Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in 30 internationals after shifting from winger to a penalty-box number nine.
- Ronaldo’s career tally is reported at 955 goals, with Martinez saying the 1,000-goal mark is not an active target and reflects his day-to-day standards.
- He netted five times in World Cup qualifying and, after a red card against Ireland, saw two games of a three-match ban deferred under probation, leaving him eligible for the group opener if selected.
- Portugal are drawn with Uzbekistan, Colombia and the inter-confederation play-off winner in Group K, and Ronaldo has featured in 30 of 36 matches under Martinez as his 2026 inclusion is widely expected.