Cristiano Ronaldo injured but should be fit for World Cup

Football
By AFP | Mar 04, 2026
 Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo on the ground in disappointment after UEFA EURO 2024 Round of 16 tie vs Slovenia. [Ralf Ibing/AFP]

Portuguese veteran Cristiano Ronaldo has a hamstring tendon injury, his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr announced on Tuesday, but his participation in the 2026 World Cup does not appear to be in doubt.

According to some media outlets, the 41-year-old captain of the Portuguese national team is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks, meaning he should be up and running well before the World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on June 11.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player "has started a rehabilitation programme and his condition will be assessed day by day," Al-Nassr said.

Ronaldo, who is in line to play in a record sixth World Cup, was injured during a match at Al-Fayha last month in the Saudi Pro League.

Share this story
Tunisia coach Renard has 'no regrets' despite World Cup flop
Herve Renard says he has no regrets about taking on the job as Tunisia's emergency coach at the World Cup despite the North African nation's catastrophic campaign.
Historic World Cup goal brings rare joy to DR Congo Ebola epicentre
The Democratic Republic of Congo's first ever World Cup point gave their compatriots in Bunia, the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak, a rare chance to celebrate.
Lemayan, Otero out to nail marathon titles
Samson Lemayan is out to defend the 26th edition of Lewa Safari Marathon at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Meru County on Saturday morning.
Turkey exit World Cup with heads held high, beat USA with last-gasp winner
Turkey beat a heavily changed United States 3-2 with a late Kaan Ayhan winner in an action-packed dead-rubber clash that gave the World Cup co-hosts their sternest test so far
Australia draw with Paraguay to clinch World Cup last 32 place
Australia qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday after battling to a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara to claim second place in Group D.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS