Former Coach Rene Meulensteen Believes Cristiano Ronaldo Can Win the 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United coach, Rene Meulensteen, has publicly endorsed the idea of the 40-year-old forward winning the 2026 World Cup. This endorsement comes on the heels of Ronaldo's new two-year contract with Al-Nassr, signaling his continued ambition to compete at the highest level. Meulensteen's comments, widely reported on July 25, 2025, highlight Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of milestones and records as a key driving force.
Meulensteen Highlights Ronaldo's Relentless Drive and Portugal's Talented Squad
Meulensteen emphasized Ronaldo's enduring desire to break records and win trophies as crucial motivators for his continued performance. He stated that Ronaldo is "chasing milestones and will want to break records," showcasing his ambition even at 40. While acknowledging that Ronaldo may not be the same player he was at 28, Meulensteen also pointed out the significant talent within the Portugal squad. This suggests that Ronaldo can still play a vital role in the team's success, even if that role evolves.
New Al-Nassr Contract Signifies Commitment to High-Level Performance
Ronaldo's recent two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, announced around June 26, 2025, further underscores his commitment to maintaining a high level of fitness and performance. The contract will keep him at the club until he is past his 42nd birthday. This decision demonstrates his dedication to continuing his career and actively competing, rather than winding down.
Key Dates Shaping Ronaldo's World Cup Ambitions
Several key dates highlight the timeline of Ronaldo's pursuit of the 2026 World Cup. On July 25, 2025, Rene Meulensteen's public backing of Ronaldo's World Cup ambitions was widely reported. Prior to that, on June 26, 2025, Ronaldo signed his new two-year contract with Al-Nassr, extending his stay with the club until June 30, 2027. The ultimate goal, of course, is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ronaldo's Age and Continued Success in the UEFA Nations League
Having celebrated his 40th birthday on February 5, 2025, Ronaldo's continued performance at an elite level is particularly noteworthy. His contributions to Portugal's UEFA Nations League victory further demonstrate his ongoing international relevance and ability to contribute to trophy wins. This success reinforces the belief that he can still make a significant impact on the world stage.
Stakeholders Invested in Ronaldo's World Cup Journey
Numerous stakeholders are invested in Ronaldo's journey towards the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo himself is the central figure, leading the Portugal national team and playing for Al-Nassr. Rene Meulensteen's support provides expert opinion and endorsement. The Portugal national team represents a nation's hopes, while Al-Nassr benefits from Ronaldo's global appeal. Finally, fans and the media closely follow and analyze Ronaldo's every move.
Reliable Sources Affirm Ronaldo's Ambition and Talent
Statements from reliable sources support the narrative of Ronaldo's continued ambition. Rene Meulensteen, as quoted by Goal.com, Yahoo Sports, and Pulse Sports, emphasized Ronaldo's drive: "It's remarkable at his age that he is still playing and keeping fit and wanting to get to the World Cup." Al-Nassr confirmed Ronaldo's contract extension until 2027 via their official X (formerly Twitter) account on June 26, 2025. These sources provide credibility to the ongoing discussion surrounding Ronaldo's future.
Skepticism Surrounds Ronaldo's World Cup Dream
Despite the optimism, skepticism remains regarding Ronaldo's ability to win the World Cup at 41. Former France international William Gallas, for instance, has cautioned that Ronaldo's 2026 World Cup dream "will end in tears." This highlights the divided public opinion and the challenges Ronaldo faces in achieving this ambitious goal.
Debate Over Ronaldo's Role in the Portugal Squad
A key point of contention revolves around the role Ronaldo would play within a potential World Cup-winning Portugal squad. While Meulensteen suggests it's "about the role he can play," questions remain about whether he would be a consistent starter or a strategic impact player. Balancing Ronaldo's experience and goal-scoring ability with the needs of the team will be crucial.
Age-Related Performance Concerns
The natural decline associated with age is an unavoidable factor in the discussion. While Ronaldo has maintained remarkable fitness and scoring ability in the Saudi Pro League, the intensity and physical demands of a World Cup are considerably higher. Whether he can maintain his peak performance against top-tier international opponents remains to be seen. He is reportedly aiming for the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. As of recent reports, Ronaldo has 221 caps and 138 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time leading male international goalscorer.
