Cristiano Ronaldo Predicted as a 'Top Contender' by Fellow Countryman as Portugal's GOAT Prepares for Final World Cup Performance

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to captain Portugal into the World Cup finals for the sixth time this summer, but there are still questions about how long the 41-year-old striker can sustain his high-level performance. Former teammate Beto provides his perspective on Ronaldo's staying power and Portugal's prospects of ultimately claiming the biggest prize in international football.

As the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches, the spotlight remains on Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr star is expected to break more records on the world stage, and former Portugal international Beto believes that although this may be his last World Cup, it may not necessarily mark the end of his international career overall.

Beto, who shared a dressing room with a young Ronaldo at Sporting CP, told Lusa: 'The World Cup will be the last for Cristiano, but I don't know if this will be his last major competition, because he takes care of himself and is very focused on his profession.' He added: 'The expectation is always positive, he makes a difference, and for me, inside the penalty box, he continues to make a big difference and can help Portugal. Now, alone, no one can win anything, and good teamwork is needed, not just Ronaldo.'

Portugal enters the tournament with a squad that includes some of the most talented players in their history, leading Beto to place them among the top contenders for the trophy. Although they have never dominated the World Cup – their best finish was third place in 1966 – many believe that Roberto Martinez's team can finally make it to the end.

'The expectations are very high because Portugal has a fantastic squad, with many options and a very solid group. They should, and I'm sure will, take advantage of this great opportunity in the World Cup,' explained the former defender.

'Besides Portugal, there are Spain, France, Argentina, and, beware, Germany and England. They are the teams that, in my opinion, can put up a fight, given that there are always surprises in these competitions.'

While Ronaldo remains an icon of the team, Beto emphasizes that the success of this campaign will depend on a solid core of players performing at their best. For Portugal to advance from a group stage that includes DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, the former Sporting player believes key leaders must step up alongside the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

'Diogo Costa has to perform very well, in the backline there's Ruben Dias, in midfield Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Joao Neves, and up front Cristiano,' Beto said. 'Then, all the players around them, who have fantastic careers, must seize this collective moment and exceed their limits. For Portugal, this must be a competition to overcome obstacles.'

The journey begins in Houston on June 17, where Portugal will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the opening match of Group K. Under the guidance of Roberto Martinez, who will lead the team in his final tournament before his contract expires, Selecao must navigate a tough group that also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia. The focus remains on the 2026 World Cup, despite the coach's future or external distractions.

'The focus must be on this competition,' Beto concluded, defending Martinez's leadership. 'The coach will always be questioned, but Martinez is experienced; this is not his first World Cup, and he must manage well and stay focused and concentrated. That's what I believe the coach will do.'