This is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Last Shot: Can He Finally Win the World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final pursuit of World Cup glory began today as Portugal opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against the Democratic Republic of the Congo this morning.

Images showed hundreds of fans wearing Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt lined up outside Houston’s NRG Stadium hours before kick-off to watch the 41-year-old superstar begin his record sixth World Cup appearance.

For Ronaldo, the tournament represents one last chance to win the only major trophy that has eluded him throughout a career packed with records, league titles and international honours.

Ronaldo’s appearance on the field this year comes the day after his greatest rival, Argentina icon Lionel Messi.

Messi is praised as the most decorated player of all time at the FIFA World Cup, with a World Cup victory already under his belt. And after Tuesday’s opening match, Messi joined the top of the charts after a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium.

At 41, Ronaldo enters the 2026 tournament with 22 World Cup appearances and eight goals across five previous campaigns. His most memorable run came in Russia in 2018.

Portugal is considered a genuine contender in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so the question remains: Can Ronaldo finally win the world cup?