Ronaldo Declines Club World Cup to Focus on 6th FIFA World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo has declined offers to participate in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, stating that his primary focus remains on preparing for what could be his historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026. The 40-year-old Portuguese forward, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, confirmed that despite interest from organizers, he would not be taking part in the 32-team Club World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States.
Ronaldo, who recently renewed his contract with Al Nassr until 2027, emphasized that rest and focused preparation were essential at this stage of his career. The decision is seen as a calculated move to manage his workload and remain in peak form for international duty.
“I’ve already had a long season, and my aim is clear. The World Cup is my priority,” Ronaldo reportedly said. “It didn’t make sense to participate in the Club World Cup at this point.”
Prioritizing Country Over Club
Despite Al Nassr not qualifying for the Club World Cup, there had been discussions at high levels about inviting Ronaldo due to his global stature and influence. However, Ronaldo made it clear that his allegiance lies with Portugal and his club responsibilities, and he would not compromise his physical readiness for short-term appearances.
This decision comes amid growing anticipation over his potential record-breaking appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If selected, Ronaldo would become the first player in history to feature in six editions of the tournament—a milestone no footballer has yet achieved.
Looking Ahead
For now, Ronaldo’s schedule will revolve around club commitments in the Saudi Pro League and preparation with the Portuguese national team. His decision to skip the Club World Cup has been widely interpreted as a sign of his continued ambition at the international level, underscoring his desire to contribute meaningfully to Portugal’s campaign in what could be his final World Cup.
