How Cristiano Ronaldo's Decision to Extend His Stay at Al Nassr Could Impact His 2026 FIFA World Cup Ambitions
Key Highlights :
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made a significant decision on his future at Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, with journalist Ali Al-Harbi claiming that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now looking to extend his stay until 2027. This could have a major impact on Ronaldo's ambitions of competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January this year after his contract was mutually terminated at Manchester United following his fallout with Erik ten Hag. Since then, he has been a regular goalscorer for the Saudi Pro League side and will be hoping to help inspire the team to more collective silverware in his first full season at the club. His current deal expires in 2025, and the extension to 2027 could be the perfect time for him to retire from the game.
It is thought that Ronaldo believes committing to more time at Al Nassr will help him achieve his goal of competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 36-year-old has already featured at four World Cups for Portugal, winning the competition in 2016, and will be keen to add to his tally of international honours. However, it remains to be seen if Portugal manager Roberto Martinez would want the forward in his World Cup squad in 2026, after what happened under Fernando Santos in Qatar.
Ronaldo was dropped to the bench during the tournament in the Middle East, with his replacement in the team's round of 16 tie, Goncalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Switzerland. A Selecao were eventually knocked out at the quarter-final stage after losing 1-0 to African giants Morocco, a match in which Ronaldo was introduced from the bench in the second half.
It is believed that Ronaldo is keen to bow out of the game on a high, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the perfect opportunity for him to do so. By extending his stay at Al Nassr until 2027, he will have the best chance of achieving his goal. It will also give him the chance to end his career with a major international tournament on home soil, which could be the perfect way to end his illustrious career.
