Ronaldo is the only player to have scored in five FIFA World Cups. He is set to become the first man in history – potentially alongside Lionel Messi – to appear in six editions.

At 41, he would also become the tournament's second-oldest outfield player, after Roger Milla, who was 42 when he played at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which was also hosted in the United States.

Ronaldo enters the tournament in good form, leading Portugal in qualifying with five goals, while also finishing as Al-Nassr's top scorer with 28 goals as it won the Saudi Pro League title.

"Physically? I'm fine – have you not seen my matches?" Ronaldo said.

In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Portugal has defeated Nigeria and Chile in friendlies, winning both matches 2-1.

When asked about Portugal's preparations, Ronaldo added: "It has been good but tiring because we've worked hard.

"We've had the upper hand in our matches, but what matters most is when the ball starts rolling on the 17th, in the first game, and then when the pressure really starts to mount – that's when we'll see the true champions.

"We're really looking forward to it; we know the World Cup is always a special tournament, just like the European Championship, so we're heading there full of hope.

"I believe this is a generation that will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people."

Ronaldo will look to make a strong start at the tournament when Portugal faces DR Congo in its opener on 18 June (AEST).

Portugal's best FIFA World Cup finish was 60 years ago, when it came third in England in 1966.

Since then, its only other semi-final appearance was 20 years ago in Germany.

Portugal is one of five European teams to participate at every FIFA World Cup since 2002, alongside England, France, Germany and Spain.

It has reached the knockout stage in four of the past five editions.