Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old football icon, joined Portugal's national squad at Lisbon's Cidade do Futebol training complex this week as they prepare for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary. The session marked the team's first gathering since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a July car accident in Spain.
Head coach Roberto Martínez emphasized the squad's resilience, stating: "We honor Diogo's memory by focusing on what he loved most – playing for Portugal." The team will face Armenia in Yerevan on September 6 before challenging Hungary in Budapest three days later.
With the expanded 2026 World Cup set to span 16 cities across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Portugal aims to build momentum after their recent UEFA Nations League triumph. Analysts note Ronaldo's enduring leadership could prove vital as younger players like Rafael Leão and João Félix integrate into the squad.
