Cristiano Ronaldo ought to have at the least two targets going into the 2026 World Cup. The primary goal is to attain at the least one aim within the knockout stage of the event. It is not going to be document if Ronaldo performs his total World Cup profession, scores over 1,000 targets, and doesn’t get at the least one aim within the knockout stage.
Softfootball believes, Ronaldo is predicted to achieve 1,000 profession targets, however reaching this milestone with no knockout aim within the World Cup would nonetheless elevate questions.
The second goal is to win the 2026 World Cup. Proper now, Ronaldo is among the many gamers with essentially the most World Cup appearances with out profitable the trophy. As of Friday, April 3, 2026, the listing consists of:
| Participant | World cup Look with out profitable the trophy |
|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 22 |
| Javier Mascherano | 20 |
| Luka Modrić | 19 |
| Marc Márquez | 19 |
| Ivan Perišić | 17 |
These are among the prime gamers with the best World Cup appearances with out profitable the event. Because of this Ronaldo must take this World Cup personally and intention to win it.
In the long term, when individuals talk about the best gamers in soccer, Ronaldo’s identify will all the time be talked about. Nevertheless, there may nonetheless be a query mark, particularly when in comparison with gamers like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, who all received the World Cup.
And not using a World Cup trophy or at the least a knockout stage aim, it could stay tough for some to put Ronaldo absolutely in that class, which makes the 2026 World Cup essential for his legacy.
