Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Portugal at Sixth World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo set for sixth World Cup at age 41

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez announced a 27-man squad for the upcoming tournament. The squad includes Ricardo Velho in memory of late Diogo Jota.

Martinez stated that the selection comprises “27 players plus one,” referring to Liverpool forward Jota, who died in July last year aged 28.

The coach defended his decision to include four goalkeepers and five fullbacks while omitting players like Mateus Fernandes, Ricardo Horta, and Pedro Goncalves. The complexity of the tournament demands more than two players per position, especially with regards to time zones and weather conditions.

Portugal will face Chile on June 6 in Oeiras and Nigeria on June 10 in Leiria. FIFA has stipulated that the squad must be at their Palm Beach, Florida training camp at least five days before their opening match. Ronaldo becomes the first player ever called up to six World Cup tournaments.