The tournament in North America is expected to be the final World Cup appearance for all three superstars unless injuries change those plans. Depending on how the group stage unfolds, several possible knockout matchups could place Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar on opposite sides before the final in July.

Argentina, Portugal, and Brazil all enter the competition with high expectations, but the road to a possible showdown will depend heavily on where each team finishes during the opening phase of the tournament.

When could Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face each other?

A Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo matchup remains one of the biggest possibilities of the 2026 World Cup. The most likely scenario could happen in the quarterfinals if both Argentina and Portugal finish first in their groups and advance through the opening knockout rounds. That matchup would reportedly take place in Kansas City.

Messi and Ronaldo, who are set to share a World Cup record, could meet in the Round of 32 on July 3 if Portugal win their group and Argentina advance as one of the best third‑place teams. Another possible scenario could place them against each other in the Round of 16 on July 6 in Dallas if both nations finish second in their groups.

Neymar could also cross paths with Messi or Ronaldo

Neymar’s return to the Brazil national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti added even more excitement to the tournament. Brazil will begin the competition against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, while Argentina faces Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Portugal’s group includes Colombia, Congo, and Uzbekistan.

A Neymar vs. Messi showdown would only be possible in the final if both teams win their groups and advance through every knockout round. The other potential meeting is a semifinal, depending on how the bracket is arranged.

Meanwhile, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo could only meet in the final if both Brazil and Portugal win their groups. If one team finishes second, the matchup could happen earlier in the semifinals. And if both advance without topping their groups, there’s even a slight chance they meet in the Round of 16.

The 2026 World Cup will also mark the end of an era for several veteran stars. Players such as Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and James Rodriguez are also expected to play in their final World Cup tournaments.

At the same time, a new generation featuring Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Cole Palmer, and Endrick will begin taking center stage in what could become one of the most emotional World Cups in recent history.

The historic achievement comes nearly 20 years after both players made their World Cup debuts in Germany in 2006. Ronaldo, who was recently nominated for an individual award in Saudi Arabia, will once again lead Portugal, while Messi is expected to captain the defending world champions Argentina.

Beyond the World Cup record itself, both superstars are also continuing their chase toward major personal milestones. Messi currently has 910 career goals and sits 90 away from reaching 1,000, while Ronaldo enters the tournament with 971 career goals, leaving him just 29 away from the historic mark.

Ronaldo and Messi’s best World Cup performances with Portugal and Argentina

Ronaldo’s strongest World Cup campaign came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals in Germany before finishing fourth. While Ronaldo has enjoyed major success internationally with Portugal, including winning UEFA Euro 2016, the World Cup title has remained out of reach throughout his career.

Messi delivered the best World Cup performance of his career during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Argentina captain played a decisive role throughout the tournament and scored twice in the unforgettable final against France as Argentina secured their third world title in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Ronaldo and Messi on the verge of World Cup history

Before Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi potentially reach six World Cup appearances, only a select group of legendary players had participated in five different tournaments. Ronaldo and Messi already joined this historic group after featuring in the 2022 World Cup.

The achievement would further separate Ronaldo and Messi from every other player in World Cup history, cementing their place in a category of their own as they move into the 2026 tournament and toward one of the most significant milestones in the history of the competition.

With several mainstay fixtures completely absent from the squad—most notably Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro—Portugal are betting on a new generation to capture their first-ever World Cup title. These are the 11 Qatar 2022 veterans whom Martinez ultimately left off the 2026 roster:

• Rui Patricio
• Pepe
• Antonio Silva
• Raphael Guerreiro
• William Carvalho
• Danilo Pereira
• Otavio
• Joao Palhinha
• Joao Mario
• Ricardo Horta
• Andre Silva

While legendary figures like Pepe have officially hung up their boots, the omission of veterans like Rui Patricio and Raphael Guerreiro mark a distinct changing of the guard. Both had been virtually untouchable on the international stage, but inconsistent club campaigns left them on the outside looking in.

Portugal shake up the blueprint for North America

As Cristiano Ronaldo pushes to win his first official title with Al Nassr, in the global stage he is surrounded by a contingent of in-form stars. Portugal want to prove they have the depth to finally secure soccer’s ultimate prize, looking to break through a glass ceiling that previously halted them in the semifinals in 1966 and 2006.

With 11 veterans out, 12 fresh faces have stepped into Portugal’s 27-man bubble, as Martinez decided to call up a fourth goalkeeper, but just three of them will be traveling to the World Cup. Here are the newcomers tasked with injecting life into the squad’s championship ambitions in North America:

• Ricardo Velho
• Rui Silva
• Matheus Nunes
• Nelson Semedo
• Goncalo Inacio
• Renato Veiga
• Tomas Araujo
• Samuel Costa
• Joao Neves
• Goncalo Guedes
• Trincao
• Francisco Conceicao

Portugal’s initial 27-man World Cup roster

Beyond the 12 fresh call-ups integrated by Martinez, the core of the roster relies on 15 battle-tested veterans from the Qatar 2022 cycle. Here is the initial squad list heading into the World Cup:

• Goalkeepers
  • Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
  • Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
  • Rui Silva (Sporting CP)
  • Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi)
• Defenders
  • Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
  • Joao Cancelo (Barcelona)
  • Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
  • Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce)
  • Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)
  • Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
  • Renato Veiga (Villarreal)
  • Tomas Araujo (S.L. Benfica)
• Midfielders
  • Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
  • Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
  • Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
  • Samu Costa (RCD Mallorca)
  • Mateus Fernandes (West Ham United)
  • Joao Felix (Al Nassr)
• Forwards
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
  • Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
  • Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
  • Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
  • Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)

The Saudi Pro League has announced the shortlist of five candidates for the 2025-26 Player of the Season award. Heading into the final matchday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney lead the nominations alongside Joao Felix, Julian Quinones, and Ruben Neves, capping off a highly contested season between Al Nassr and Al Hilal.

Cristiano is one of the clear favorites after leading Al Nassr in the title race and putting them in position to become champions, though nothing is decided until the final matchday. Ronaldo currently has 26 goals, standing as the third-highest scorer in the league.

A tight title race on the final matchday

With the final matchdays set to be played on Thursday, Al Nassr lead with 83 points, two more than the undefeated Al Hilal. The leaders face Damac, and a victory would give them the title, while Al Hilal visit Al Fayha. All the pressure is on Al Nassr, as a stumble could allow the second-place side to snatch the crown away from them at the very last moment.

Ronaldo and Felix in search of domestic glory

Ronaldo has already lost four finals with Al Nassr but the league crown is still up for grabs. The veteran has scored 26 goals this season and became the third player of the modern era to reach 100 goals in the Pro League. With seven Man of the Match awards, he is a favorite for the player of the season title.

He needs to win the final matchday to achieve his first major title with the club since his arrival on January 1, 2023. His teammate Joao Felix is also nominated, having scored three hat-tricks, a record for a midfielder, while leading the league in assists with 12 and ranking second in total goal contributions.

The other nominees for the award

Toney has scored 32 goals in 31 league matches with Al Ahli, recording four hat-tricks and earning nine Man of the Match awards in the Saudi Pro League. At Al Qadsiah, Quinonez stands out, having reached 30 goals this season to surpass the historic club record in the top flight with 50 total goals, while also winning 13 Man of the Match awards. Additionally, Ruben Neves anchors the midfield for Al Hilal, becoming the first player to surpass 2,000 passes to lead the league in key passes.

By failing to lift the trophy against Gamba Osaka, Ronaldo’s drought officially stretches to five years, having last won a club tournament back in 2021, when he claimed the Coppa Italia with Juventus. In that match, the Vecchia Signora defeated Atalanta 2-1, marking what remains Ronaldo’s last official club honor to date.

However, the Portuguese star still has a chance to snap this negative streak before the season ends. Ronaldo could secure his first official title with Al Nassr on May 21, when they face Damac on the final matchday of the Saudi Pro League. A victory in that match, or a draw/defeat for Al Hilal in their respective fixture, would crown Al Nassr as league champions and bring an end to Cristiano’s long wait.

Drought with Al Nassr

The recent defeat against Gamba Osaka highlights an unusual trend in the Portuguese forward’s career, as he accumulates several final losses with Al Nassr. Ronaldo has now suffered defeat in five finals since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, finishing as runner-up in the Arab Club Cup (2023-24), the King’s Cup (2023-24), the Saudi Super Cup (2024-25 and 2025-26), and the recent AFC Champions League Two.

The only trophy Ronaldo has celebrated with Al Nassr is the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he led his team to victory with a brace against Al Hilal. However, the tournament is not officially recognized by FIFA or the AFC, meaning it does not count toward Cristiano’s official history books.

A different story with Portugal

Despite his struggles at the club level, Cristiano’s success with his national team tells a completely different story, having already led Portugal to three major international titles.

They first claimed the UEFA Euro 2016 by defeating France in the final, followed by triumphs in the UEFA Nations League in both 2019 and 2025, defeating the Netherlands and Spain, respectively.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Cristiano will look to guide his country to their first-ever world title, which would also be the first one in his legendary personal record.

Shortly after Al Nassr’s defeat, the Turkish defender posted an image on his X (formerly Twitter) account posing alongside the Saudi Super Cup and the two AFC Champions League Elite trophies that Al Ahli won in the 2024-25 season and the current campaign.

Al Ahli had previously claimed the Saudi Super Cup by defeating Al Nassr on penalties after a 2-2 draw, a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring. Furthermore, Al Ahli successfully defended their AFC Champions League Elite title this season after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Machida Zelvia in the final.

Past tensions between Demiral and Al Nassr

Demiral’s post is widely understood to be directed at the Al Nassr faithful, following recent tensions involving the Turkish defender at Alawwal Park, where Al Ahli suffered a 2-0 defeat. At the end of that match, Demiral mockingly flashed his AFC Champions League Elite winner’s medal at the Al Nassr fans.

Third-placed Al Ahli, alongside second-placed Al Hilal, were among Al Nassr’s main challengers in the Saudi Pro League title race. However, after that 2-0 defeat, the league leaders extended their advantage, turning the title race into a straight shootout between the top two teams in the table.

Ronaldo still has a chance for a title this season

Despite suffering a devastating defeat that left Al Nassr empty-handed on the continental stage, Cristiano Ronaldo still has a chance to win his first official title with the Saudi club.

On May 21, they will face Damac in their final league match of the season, where a victory would crown them the new champions of the Saudi Pro League. Even a draw or a defeat could still secure them the title, provided Al Hilal fail to win their match against Al Fayha.

Today, Al Ahli played against Al Khoolod and secured a 3-0 victory, where the goal to open the scoring was scored by Ivan Toney, the leader of the scoring table of the Saudi Pro League, who reached a total of 32 goals with that strike. Right behind him is Julian Quinones with 30, while Cristiano stays in third place.

It is almost impossible for Cristiano to reach that mark with only one Saudi Pro League match remaining. Ronaldo has 26 goals, six behind Toney. That meant in Al Nassr’s final match against Damac, Ronaldo needs to score six goals to tie Toney, assuming he does not score on the final matchday, something practically impossible.

Has Ronaldo ever scored six goals in one match?

No, Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored six goals in one official match. His highest scoring record in a single game was five goals, a feat he achieved twice during his career, both while wearing the Real Madrid jersey.

The matches where Ronaldo achieved that record were the following, both in La Liga: Real Madrid 9-1 Granada on April 5, 2015, and Espanyol 0-6 Real Madrid on September 12, 2015.

That Cristiano season was one of his best in terms of goalscoring. He finished LaLiga campaign as top scorer with 48 goals in 35 matches, a number that earned him his second consecutive Golden Boot. Overall, he ended that season with 61 goals in 54 matches.

What is next for Cristiano Ronaldo?

With only a few days remaining before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo suffered an emotional blow after losing the AFC Champions League Two final and still not winning that long-awaited title with Al Nassr, although he could still achieve it soon while fighting for the Saudi Pro League, where they depended on themselves.

Cristiano had a worrying number of lost finals with Al Nassr, something unusual for him, but now they would search for that league title against Damac on May 21, 2026, and then look to prove himself while preparing to play in his sixth World Cup with Portugal.

When the referee blew the full-time whistle, Ronaldo stared blankly at the pitch before walking off without showing any emotion. The star forward was clearly weighing the mental toll of a brutal five-day stretch, which also saw Al Nassr‘s Saudi Pro League title hopes severely damaged following a costly mistake by goalkeeper Bento.

Despite the recent heartbreak, anticipation builds for the challenges ahead. Al Nassr remain mathematically alive in the domestic title race, keeping alive Ronaldo’s hopes of finally lifting his first official silverware with the club to complement the numerous individual accolades he has racked up since arriving in Riyadh.

As Ronaldo navigates this turbulent chapter of his career, immense speculation surrounds what the future holds for the global icon both on and off the pitch. With the World Cup looming, the aging superstar’s longevity has become a central talking point among fans and pundits alike, suggesting these recent setbacks could ultimately force a career-defining decision.

A familiar heartbreak for Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

Despite his unparalleled historical resume, Ronaldo’s tenure with Al Nassr has been defined by a glaring lack of silverware since his high-profile arrival in 2023. This latest collapse marks yet another disappointing chapter in what has become a recurring theme during his stint in the Saudi Pro League.

While gut-wrenching setbacks are an inherent part of sports, anchoring a prolonged championship drought is relatively uncharted territory for a serial winner like Ronaldo. Nevertheless, a slim silver lining remains, as Al Nassr still have as Ronaldo and Al Nassr can still win the Saudi Pro League on Matchday 34.

Ronaldo storms off the pitch following continental collapse

Visibly frustrated, Ronaldo bolted straight down the tunnel to the locker room, refusing to return to the pitch after Al Nassr suffered a devastating international title loss to Gamba Osaka in front of a stunned home crowd.

In a glaring display of poor sportsmanship, the Portuguese superstar snubbed the post-match ceremony, skipping his silver medal presentation and refusing to congratulate the Japanese champions. His swift exit came despite Gamba Osaka classily forming a guard of honor to respect Al Nassr, who had cruised through the tournament entirely unbeaten until the final whistle.

With the final loss to Gamba Osaka, Cristiano has now lost four finals at Al Nassr. The first was the 2023-24 King’s Cup Final against Al Hilal on penalties, the second was the 2024 Saudi Super Cup Final against Al Hilal, and the third came at the 2025 Saudi Super Cup Final, lost to Al Ahli on penalties.

This AFC Champions League Two final ended in a 1-0 defeat after Al Nassr conceded a goal in the 30th minute, and an incredible fact is that it was the only shot on target by the opponents during the entire match, enough to take the title away from them. However, Ronaldo and Al Nassr can still win the Saudi Pro League in the final matchday.

Al Nassr remain in the fight for a title

The defeat was definitely a result against all expectations. Al Nassr were the clear favorites, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo searching for that title he has fought for during such a long time, but they still couldn’t get it done. However, Al Nassr have the opportunity in the Saudi Pro League, which has one matchday remaining.

Al Nassr have 83 points, which keeps them in first place, while Al Hilal, who are second, have 81 points after their victory over Neom on Saturday. Al Nassr are forced to win to avoid complications. With a draw, they would still be in some danger due to goal difference (60), as Al Hilal (57) would need to win by a difference of four goals to overtake them and steal the title. And if Al Nassr lose while Al Hilal win, Ronaldo would be left empty-handed.

It will all be decided on May 21, 2026, when the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League finale takes place. Al Nassr will face Damac, and simultaneously, Al Hilal will play Al Fayha.

The last continental club title won by Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s most recent official continental club trophy dates back to 2018, when he helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League during the 2017-18 season. That title was the fifth Champions League trophy of his career.

Ronaldo was unable to lead the Saudi side to victory on one of the club’s biggest nights of the season, as Deniz Hummet scored for Gamba Osaka in the 30th minute, which decided the final. The defeat left frustration around the team after another missed chance to secure an international trophy as Ronaldo lost his fourth final with Al Nassr.

The result has also increased speculation surrounding the future of head coach Jorge Jesus, who is reportedly expected to leave Al Nassr at the end of the season following the disappointing finish to the campaign.

When was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last continental club title?

Ronaldo’s most recent official continental club trophy still dates back to 2018, when he helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League during the 2017-18 season. That title was the fifth Champions League trophy of his career.

Since then, Ronaldo has played for Juventus, Manchester United, and Al Nassr without winning another recognized continental title at club level. Although Al Nassr lifted the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, the tournament isn’t officially recognized by FIFA.

The AFC Champions League Two final represented an important chance for Ronaldo to end that long drought, but the opportunity slipped away once again as Gamba Osaka capitalized on their only shot on target to take the title. Ronaldo’s reaction said it all: he was devastated by this defeat.

Portugal success continues despite club disappointment

While continental success at club level has been difficult to find in recent years, Ronaldo has continued to enjoy important moments with the Portugal national team.

After winning Euro 2016, Portugal also captured the UEFA Nations League title in both 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo remains expected to play a leading role for his country during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For now, however, Al Nassr’s defeat leaves more questions than answers as the club turns its focus back to the Saudi Pro League, where both the team and Cristiano Ronaldo still remain in the title race.

Ronaldo and Al Nassr will have to pivot quickly to May 21, when they square off against Damac on Matchday 34 of the Saudi Pro League. It represents their final shot at a major trophy this season, but the path to glory is razor-thin: Al Nassr must secure a victory to keep their championship hopes alive.

A draw on the final day would leave Al Nassr’s fate entirely in the hands of rivals Al Hilal, who are right behind Ronaldo’s team in the Saudi Pro League standings. If Al Nassr stall, a victory by Al Hilal by three or more goals would officially extinguish Ronaldo’s aspirations of lifting his elusive first official title in Riyadh.

As the Al Nassr faithful grow increasingly anxious for Ronaldo to justify his blockbuster signing with a major trophy, off-field turbulence is adding to the drama. Reports indicate that the club is set to part ways with manager Jorge Jesus at the end of the campaign, raising massive questions about the team’s long-term direction heading into next season.

The lone friendly silverware on Ronaldo’s Saudi resume

While Ronaldo did technically lift a trophy during his debut campaign with the club, it carried no official weight. Al Nassr captured the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal, but the tournament is classified as a pre-season friendly exhibition.

Since that friendly triumph, Ronaldo and Al Nassr have repeatedly stumbled on the big stage. Following this latest collapse in the AFC Champions League 2, the pressure on the Portuguese icon has reached an all-time high with only a volatile domestic league title race left on the table. Ronaldo has already lost four finals with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s eye-popping individual production vs. team struggles

The ultimate paradox of Ronaldo’s tenure in Saudi Arabia remains his staggering individual output. While the global superstar continues to rewrite the league’s statistical record books, his personal dominance has stubbornly failed to translate into team silverware across all competitions. Ronaldo’s last continental club title came with Real Madrid.

Here is a breakdown of Ronaldo’s individual statistical footprint since arriving at Al Nassr:

• Matches Played: 146
• Total Goals: 127
• League Goals: 100 (The first player to score 100+ league goals in three different countries)