Cristiano Ronaldo has been cleared to captain Portugal in the early stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns about the veteran forward’s availability ahead of the tournament.
The decision follows uncertainty over a previous suspension that had put his participation in the opening matches in doubt. With the ruling now clarified, Ronaldo is expected to feature in Portugal’s first group-stage fixtures, including a highly anticipated match against Uzbekistan.
Portugal and Uzbekistan have reportedly been drawn into the same group, setting up a notable encounter between the European powerhouse and the Central Asian side in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Ronaldo’s presence is seen as a major boost for Portugal, both tactically and psychologically, given his experience and leadership at major international events. The 41-year-old remains a key figure for the national team as it targets a strong start in the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The potential Portugal–Uzbekistan clash has already generated significant interest among fans, highlighting Uzbekistan’s growing visibility on the global football stage ahead of the 2026 tournament.
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