Ex-Manchester United coach René Meulensteen believes Cristiano Ronaldo still has a chance to win the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, but only if he plays a supporting role within a talented squad rather than trying to lead it alone.
Highlights:
- Cristiano can no longer perform like he did at 28, says Meulensteen.
- Portugal’s deep talent pool boosts their 2026 World Cup chances.
- Ronaldo’s experience could prove vital in knockout stages.
Portugal’s Golden Opportunity & Ronaldo’s New Role
René Meulensteen, who coached Cristiano during his first United spell, has issued a clear-eyed assessment of CR7’s World Cup prospects heading into 2026. At 40 years old, Ronaldo may not be the lightning-fast supersub who terrorized defenders at 28—but as long as his ambition burns, so does the possibility of World Cup success.
Meulensteen emphasizes that loyalty to form must be tempered with realism:
“You can’t expect Ronaldo to be as he was when he was 28… but he will keep going as long as he feels like he is chasing something.”
Having just helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League in May 2025, CR7 doesn’t need to reassert himself as the team’s undoubted lynchpin. Instead, his role might morph into something more strategic: predatory poacher, industrial leader, inspirational figure
Meulensteen believes that for Portugal, it’s more about how Ronaldo fits into a well-oiled machinery than about him carrying it alone:
“Portugal have a lot of talent… it’s about the role he can play… They’re definitely a team that can progress and then it all depends on who you meet in the knockout stages…”
Can Portugal Actually Win the World Cup?
According to Meulensteen, the answer is yes. Portugal boasts an exceptionally deep squad blending youth, technical skill, and seasoned leadership. If Cristiano transitions gracefully into a complementary role—without the expectations to be the game-breaker—his experience could prove decisive
But as with all tournaments, the knockout rounds are when margins shrink. Cristiano’s impact may depend less on his explosiveness, and more on his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
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Understand that Ronaldo’s 2026 is not a redux of 2008–2016. His game is more cerebral now, less reliant on pace, more on positioning, instinct, and leadership. Expect smart contributions rather than sheer brilliance. A strong supporting cast—think Bruno Fernandes, young forwards, midfield creativity—is essential. Ronaldo’s most effective days might come as a finisher or mentor in key moments.
Winning the World Cup isn’t about rewriting his legacy; it’s about adding its final, crowning chapter. Meulensteen stresses Cristiano’s hunger for records—this could drive him more than ever.
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Yes, Cristiano isn’t 28 anymore. But that doesn’t diminish his value to Portugal’s ambitions. As long as he still wants to hunt milestones—and is smartly deployed—he offers goals, experience, and inspiration. If everything aligns—and the group draw, injuries, and tactical acumen all favor Portugal—this could be his final, most cherished World Cup campaign yet.
