Vinicius Jr has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal as one the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico next month.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fresh off the back of winning his first major trophy with Al-Nassr. Having pipped rivals Al-Hilal to the Saudi Pro League title, the mercurial forward will be hoping to translate that success into the World Cup.
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Portugal have never won the trophy in their history and this could likely be the last time Cristiano Ronaldo could stand a chance at lifting it.
Vinicius believes the former Real Madrid talisman can make a difference at the World Cup this summer. He named Portugal as one of the favorites and hailed the players they have at their disposal.
The Brazilian admitted that he considers Vitinha and Joao Neves as two of the best players in the current generation and also talked about the likes of Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix.
Vinicius said on CazeTV (h/t MadridXtra):
“Portugal one of the favorites? Yes, because Cristiano is there and that matters. There’s Vitinha and João Neves, who are among the best of the current generation. There’s Nuno. Leão and Félix too, players I have a very good relationship with.”
Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup by Morocco. They will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in record 6th FIFA World Cup
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in his sixth World Cup this summer. He is currently one of six players, including Lionel Messi, to have played in five World Cups.
The 41-year-old star also holds the record for most number of international appearances (226) and goals (143) in men’s football. If everything goes according to plan, this could end up being a historic tournament for him.
Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo was at risk of missing Portugal’s opening game at the World Cup. Back in November last year, he was sent off during the World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland. The forward was punished for planting an elbow to the back of Dara O’Shea.
Violent conduct usually means the player will miss three games due to suspension. However, in this case, FIFA decided against extending the ban beyond a one-match suspension after taking into account how the Portugal captain had never been sent off on national team duty before this incident.
Edited by Nived Zenith
