Ronaldo declares himself fit for record sixth World Cup bid

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, insists he is in peak condition and ready to lead Portugal into a potential record-extending sixth World Cup appearance. The veteran forward, who started Portugal's recent warm-up games against Chile and Nigeria, addressed concerns about his fitness, stating, “Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?”

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Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?

Ronaldo acknowledged that Portugal's preparations have been demanding but effective. "It has been good but tiring because we've worked hard," he told ESPN. He stressed that the team's true mettle will be tested when the tournament begins. "What matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount -- that's when we'll see the true champion."

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It has been good but tiring because we've worked hard.

The Portuguese captain, who holds the men's international football records for appearances and goals, is still seeking the one major title that has eluded him: the FIFA World Cup. Portugal, with its best World Cup finish being third in 1966, enters the 2026 tournament with a highly regarded squad, featuring talents like Bruno Fernandes and a strong contingent from Paris Saint-Germain. Ronaldo expressed cautious optimism about their chances, noting, "We'll only know at the end. We're really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we're heading there full of hope."

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What matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount -- that's when we'll see the true champion.

Ronaldo outlined Portugal's strategy for the group stage, which includes matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. "The key is to start well, finish top of the group," he said. "Then it's one game at a time, step by step, taking it calmly, building confidence and getting into our rhythm. It will depend on many factors, but I'm very confident that things will go well."

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We'll only know at the end. We're really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we're heading there full of hope.