2026 World Cup Preview: Why Fernando Muslera Believes Ronaldo’s Portugal Isn’t a Top Contender
With just a week to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, debate around tournament favourites has intensified, especially following provocative comments from former Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The veteran shot-stopper recently suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal should not be considered among the leading contenders to lift the World Cup next summer. His remarks have reignited global discussion around Portugal’s World Cup 2026 chances and whether Ronaldo, now 40 and preparing for a historic sixth World Cup appearance, can finally claim the one major title missing from his illustrious career.
Muslera’s candid assessment, shared in recent interviews, left little room for ambiguity. He reportedly played down Portugal’s prospects despite the nation’s impressive qualification campaign, instead pointing to three teams he believes are the primary World Cup 2026 favourites. While not all outlets named the sides explicitly, the broader implication was clear: traditional powerhouses such as France, Spain, and Brazil are viewed as stronger contenders due to their squad depth and current form, even with Ronaldo’s enduring influence on and off the pitch.
Portugal’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been noteworthy. Ronaldo, already cemented as one of international football’s greatest scorers, helped his side through qualifying with record-breaking contributions including becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history and propelling his team toward a historic sixth World Cup appearance.
Despite the team’s strong offensive output and star presence, critics point toward structural weaknesses and a campaign that has seen mixed results against top opponents. In particular, a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland saw Ronaldo sent off, potentially impacting momentum heading into the finals.
Muslera’s commentary is not unique in its skepticism. Other football analysts have also expressed reservations about Portugal’s ability to challenge top contenders over the month-long tournament. Odds compiled by betting markets and pundits often place england, France, Brazil, and Spain ahead of Portugal in predictions.
However, supporters of Ronaldo and Portugal argue the narrative is far from decided. Ronaldo’s motivation to capture the one major honour that has eluded him the World Cup has been well documented. Teammates like Vitinha and João Félix have publicly backed Portugal’s potential, insisting the team has the talent and balance to go deep in the tournament and help Ronaldo chase his elusive World Cup triumph.
France, boasting a squad full of world-class talent and recent international success, remains among the top favourites, while Spain’s technical prowess and Brazil’s storied World Cup pedigree make both nations perennial threats in any competition. These teams offer a blend of tactical consistency, individual brilliance, and squad depth rarely matched elements Muslera and other critics likely had in mind.
Yet football has a habit of defying predictions. Portugal’s blend of experience and youthful energy could yet challenge expectations, while Ronaldo’s final attempt at football’s greatest prize ensures the team’s storyline heading into World Cup 2026 remains compelling. Whether Muslera’s prediction proves accurate will ultimately be decided on the pitches of North America, where a new chapter in World Cup history awaits.
Muslera’s candid assessment, shared in recent interviews, left little room for ambiguity. He reportedly played down Portugal’s prospects despite the nation’s impressive qualification campaign, instead pointing to three teams he believes are the primary World Cup 2026 favourites. While not all outlets named the sides explicitly, the broader implication was clear: traditional powerhouses such as France, Spain, and Brazil are viewed as stronger contenders due to their squad depth and current form, even with Ronaldo’s enduring influence on and off the pitch.
Portugal’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been noteworthy. Ronaldo, already cemented as one of international football’s greatest scorers, helped his side through qualifying with record-breaking contributions including becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history and propelling his team toward a historic sixth World Cup appearance.
Despite the team’s strong offensive output and star presence, critics point toward structural weaknesses and a campaign that has seen mixed results against top opponents. In particular, a 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland saw Ronaldo sent off, potentially impacting momentum heading into the finals.
Muslera’s commentary is not unique in its skepticism. Other football analysts have also expressed reservations about Portugal’s ability to challenge top contenders over the month-long tournament. Odds compiled by betting markets and pundits often place england, France, Brazil, and Spain ahead of Portugal in predictions.
However, supporters of Ronaldo and Portugal argue the narrative is far from decided. Ronaldo’s motivation to capture the one major honour that has eluded him the World Cup has been well documented. Teammates like Vitinha and João Félix have publicly backed Portugal’s potential, insisting the team has the talent and balance to go deep in the tournament and help Ronaldo chase his elusive World Cup triumph.
France, boasting a squad full of world-class talent and recent international success, remains among the top favourites, while Spain’s technical prowess and Brazil’s storied World Cup pedigree make both nations perennial threats in any competition. These teams offer a blend of tactical consistency, individual brilliance, and squad depth rarely matched elements Muslera and other critics likely had in mind.
Yet football has a habit of defying predictions. Portugal’s blend of experience and youthful energy could yet challenge expectations, while Ronaldo’s final attempt at football’s greatest prize ensures the team’s storyline heading into World Cup 2026 remains compelling. Whether Muslera’s prediction proves accurate will ultimately be decided on the pitches of North America, where a new chapter in World Cup history awaits.
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