Ronaldo Heads to Record Sixth World Cup Declaring ‘Very Positive’ as Portugal Eye Strong Start

The 41-year-old captain will lead a “very good generation” in Florida as Portugal prepare to face DR Congo in Houston on June 17.

Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday that he was feeling “very positive” before flying out of Lisbon with the Portuguese team to their World Cup base camp in Palm Beach, Florida, as the 41-year-old prepares for a record sixth appearance at the finals.

“We’re approaching this competition with a lot of hope,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. “The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard,” continued the veteran Portugal captain, who insisted he was “physically good”.

“I am very positive, I believe things will go well and that we will put in a good performance. It’s a very good generation… which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people,” the forward said of the squad around him.

“The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, then follow up with the second and third… finish top of the group and from there, take it one match at a time,” he added.

Portugal open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Houston against the Democratic Republic of Congo, before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. At 41, Ronaldo will be heading to his record sixth World Cup, but there are concerns in some quarters that his presence will prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing.

Portugal played two friendly matches in recent days against Chile and Nigeria, winning both 2-1, but Ronaldo failed to score. Portugal finished third in the 1966 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals four years ago in Qatar.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, the veteran captain’s positive outlook contrasts with lingering questions about team selection and whether Martinez can integrate Ronaldo into a side featuring younger attacking talents. For now, Ronaldo is focused on the task at hand. “Finish top of the group,” he said, “and from there, take it one match at a time.”

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on June 12, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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