Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to make history with a record sixth World Cup appearance as Portugal announced their squad on Tuesday. Head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the inclusion of the veteran forward, emphasizing the emotional significance of the late Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last year. Jota’s presence will be felt as the team pursues its first World Cup title.

Martinez selected Ronaldo, now 41 years old, along with 26 other players to compete for Portugal's maiden World Cup trophy. This tournament is widely expected to be Ronaldo's last chance to lift football's most prestigious prize, marking his first World Cup since leaving elite European football for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo and his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, have the opportunity to become the first men to participate in six World Cups. He already holds records for:

• Most appearances (226) for a men’s national team
• Most goals (143) for a men’s national team
• Only player to score in five different World Cups

In an interview with CNN in November, Ronaldo stated that this World Cup "definitely" would be his last.

The squad features notable players including João Félix (Al Nassr), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), and Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United). Other selections include Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos. Martinez has also named four goalkeepers:

• Diogo Costa (Porto)
• José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
• Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)
• Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği)

Portugal finds themselves in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Congo, kicking off their campaign against Congo on 17 June in Houston.