THE AL NASSR FRONTIMAN CONTINUES TO DEFY EXPECTATIONS AND WRITE HIS OWN STORY

When Morocco defied all odds to defeat Portugal in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many assumed it marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.

- BY THOMAS WRAGG

The Portuguese No. 7 seemed to confirm those suspicions as he walked off the pitch in tears, perhaps grappling with the reality that, at 37 years old, his dream of becoming a world champion was over. But, much like Morocco’s unexpected triumphs in Qatar, the Al Nassr frontman continues to defy expectations and write his own story. Since that heart-breaking night in Doha, Ronaldo has surpassed 900 career goals, broken Sergio Ramos’ record for the most international wins, and remarkably scored more goals after turning 30 than he did before.

In short, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down, which is why it’s increasingly likely that Qatar 2022 wasn’t his final shot at World Cup glory.

Despite turning 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, he seems poised to feature once again, 20 years after his World Cup debut. His Portuguese teammate Bruno Fernandes even stated earlier this year that he’s “almost certain” Ronaldo will play on football’s grandest stage next year.

With Ronaldo’s unrelenting hunger to break record after record, we take a look at three milestones he could potentially achieve at the 2026 World Cup.

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