Pauleta Endorses Ronaldo for Starting Position in 2026 World Cup

Pedro Pauleta has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo to start for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup. The endorsement came as Portugal prepares for a new qualifying cycle under coach Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo remains central to team planning despite recent setbacks.

Pauleta’s public support

In an appearance on A Bola’s 90+3 program, Pauleta urged that Ronaldo be included in the starting lineup. He argued the forward still carries the ability to decide matches. Pauleta also stressed the importance of unity across the squad and staff.

Fitness, absences and squad context

Ronaldo is 41 and recently suffered an injury while with Al Nassr. He will miss Portugal’s upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States. Fellow absentees for those matches include Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva.

Current form under Martinez

Under Roberto Martinez, Ronaldo leads Portugal’s scoring since the coach took charge. He has scored 25 goals in 36 matches during Martinez’s tenure. Those figures underpin Pauleta’s call for a starting position at the 2026 World Cup.

Past World Cup debate and records

Ronaldo was controversially moved to the bench at the previous World Cup for the knockout ties. Portugal exited in the quarterfinals after losing to Morocco. That campaign ended with a highly emotional image of Ronaldo leaving the pitch.

Historical milestones

Pauleta debuted for Portugal in 1997 and retired as his country’s top scorer with 47 goals. Ronaldo surpassed that mark on March 5, 2014, in a friendly with Cameroon, scoring in the 21st minute. Ronaldo’s international tally now stands at 143 goals in 226 appearances.

Portugal also enter this cycle holding the UEFA Nations League title won against Spain last year. Pauleta believes those elements give the team a solid platform for 2026. His endorsement adds weight to discussions over Ronaldo’s role going forward.