The Portuguese captain addressed the team prior to their departure to the United States, where they will kick off their Group K campaign against Congo in Houston this Wednesday.
“It’s crucial to start well, perform effectively in the first two matches, and aim to finish first in the group. We’ll take it match by match, but without the pressure of needing to win it all. It must be a step-by-step approach,” Ronaldo stated.
At 41 years old, he is set to make his sixth World Cup appearance, matching Lionel Messi for the most World Cup appearances by a male player.
Portugal is viewed as one of the strong contenders in the expanded 48-team tournament and will also compete against Uzbekistan and Colombia during the group phase.
Having debuted in the World Cup in 2006, Ronaldo believes that Portugal features one of its strongest squads yet, but he emphasized that true success hinges on navigating the difficulties that arise in later stages of the tournament.
“It will be when the competition tightens and psychological and physical fatigue set in that we’ll identify who the real champions are,” he remarked.
Portugal is making its ninth appearance in the World Cup, still in search of its first title. Their highest achievement remains a third-place finish in 1966, with semi-final appearances in 2006 and quarter-final runs in 2022 before being eliminated by Morocco.
Ronaldo noted that the team’s preparations have been successful and conveyed confidence in the squad’s capability to make their nation proud as they embark on another World Cup adventure.
