The Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo silenced the critics regarding questions on his fitness by asking them if they haven’t seen his games. Ronaldo has been the epitome of fitness for footballers as even at the age of 41, he remains as fit as any in their squad. He even dismissed the talks stating that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his last, claiming that he could feature for the next one as well. Ronaldo’s main mission at this point in his career would be to get his hands on the FIFA World Cup as he has conquered every other title possible. He also stated that he was satisfied with the preparations of the team ahead of their first match in the USA.

"Physically? I'm fine -- have you not seen my matches?," said Cristiano Ronaldo to the journalist that raised questions regarding his fitness levels. Al-Nassr has found the best possible striker in the club’s history in Cristiano Ronaldo as his work-rate has been very impressive. He hasn’t shied away from any opportunity that has been presented to him and his fitness levels are amongst the top athletes in the world.

Portugal eye World Cup glory with Ronaldo leading the pack

"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," said Cristiano Ronaldo on the team’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal will be coming into the tournament as the dark horses as they do have the capability to go all the way but it will all be dependent on their performance. They boast arguably the best midfield in this edition of the World Cup with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha. They do have a very well balanced team and their chances are amongst the top teams in the tournament. Qualifying to the knockout stages wouldn't be a herculean task for the country as their only real test will come against Colombia and other than that, they will be the favourites to top the group.

As Portugal will be eyeing to get their hands on the FIFA World Cup for the first time, Cristiano Ronaldo and his men will be keen on keeping their performance rates high. They have never won the FIFA World Cup in their history and the closest they have finished is in the third place in 1966. It will be interesting to see if their trophy drought will be broken with this tournament as Ronaldo seems to be locked in to finish on top.