2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo tempers expectations

World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo lays out his roadmap

World Cup 2026 Today at 12:00

On the eve of what could be his final World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to get carried away. The Portuguese captain is taking a cautious approach, urging his team to move forward step by step.

Just days before Portugal kicks off in Group K, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke with the wisdom of a man who has seen it all. For CR7, ambition is built one step at a time.

"The most important thing is a good start. In the first match, the second, the third, and to qualify at the top of the group. Then, we'll see, match after match. We shouldn't go into it with big expectations about winning the World Cup, but rather move forward calmly. The road is built as you walk it," he said.

A measured speech that contrasts with the image of a player known for his ambition. Still, Ronaldo knows this tournament could mark the end of his storied career at age 41.

Portugal opens its campaign on June 17 against DR Congo in Houston, before facing Uzbekistan on June 23, and Colombia on June 28 in Miami.

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: “The most important thing is a good start. In the first match, the second, the third, and qualifying at the top of the group.

From there, we'll see, step by step, match by match. But we shouldn't go in with big expectations that we'll win (the World Cup),… pic.twitter.com/zXAHOfjZAY
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 12, 2026