Cristiano Ronaldo responds to criticism ahead of the 2026 World Cup: "Have you seen the matches? I'm in good shape"

Q: "I feel good": Ronaldo dismisses doubts

Disappointing in Portugal's victories against Chile and Nigeria, both ending 2-1, Cristiano Ronaldo rejected the idea of a physical decline ahead of the tournament. "Physically? Physically I feel good. Didn't you see the matches? I think I'm in good shape," declared the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, clearly determined to put an end to the speculation. The Portuguese captain also emphasized the context of his team's intense preparation. "We have a very good generation, I'm certain this generation will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people. The preparation has been very good. Tiring, because we've been working hard. And it's normal that we haven't been at our best during the warm-up matches," he explained.

Q: See you on June 17th in Houston

Portugal must be ready on June 17, the date of their opening match in the World Cup. The Seleção will begin their tournament in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo next Wednesday at 19 p.m. French time, live on M6 and beIN Sports. "What's important is to be ready on June 17. That's when everything will really be decided. When things start to get tough, when mental and physical fatigue sets in, and the heat also comes into play... that's when we'll see the true champions," he said.

Q: The ultimate challenge for a historic captain

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is about to write the final chapter of his illustrious international career. His sixth World Cup represents a rare challenge, both physical and mental, for a player who has already made football history.

Just days before their opening match at the 2026 World Cup, Portugal left Lisbon this Friday afternoon for the United States. The Seleção are heading to Palm Beach, where they have set up their base camp to prepare for the start of the competition. Before heading to the airport, Cristiano Ronaldo He briefly stopped to speak to journalists at the football complex in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon. The Portuguese captain, expected to play in his sixth World Cup at 41, responded to criticism regarding his fitness after two mixed warm-up matches.

"I feel good." Ronaldo dispels doubts

Despite disappointing performances in Portugal's 2-1 victories against Chile and Nigeria, Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected the idea of a physical decline as the tournament approaches. "Physically? Physically I feel good. You haven't seen the matches? I think I'm in good shape.""That's it," declared the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, clearly determined to put an end to the speculation. The Portuguese captain also emphasized the context of his team's recent performances, highlighting their intense preparation. “We have a very good generation, I’m certain this generation will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese. The preparation has been very good. Tiring, because we’re working hard. And it’s normal that we weren’t at our best during the preparation matches.”, he explained.

An ambitious group despite imperfect preparation

Even though Portugal's recent performances haven't been entirely convincing, Cristiano Ronaldo insists on the Seleção's collective potential. Around him, the Portuguese squad is moving forward with high ambitions, and this generation is presented as capable of going far in the competition. For Ronaldo, friendly matches aren't the true indicator of the team's level. The most important thing is to be ready at the right time, when the competition truly begins and the pressure mounts.

See you on June 17th in Houston

Portugal will need to be ready by June 17, the date of their opening match in the World Cup. The Seleção will begin their tournament in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo next Wednesday at 19 p.m. French time, live on M6 and beIN Sports. "What's important is to be ready on June 17th. That's when everything will really be decided. When things start to get tougher, when mental and physical fatigue sets in, and the heat also comes into play... that's when we'll see the true champions.", did he declare.

The ultimate challenge for a historic captain

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is about to write the last big page of his immense international career. His sixth World Cup represents a rare challenge, both physical and mental, for a player who has already entered the history of football.