Portugal Still Needs Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, Says Bruno Fernandes

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has firmly pushed back against claims that the national team performs better without Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the legendary forward remains a decisive presence as Portugal build towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The debate resurfaced following Portugal’s emphatic 9-1 victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier, a match Ronaldo missed due to suspension. The result, combined with Portugal’s fluid attacking display, led to renewed discussion over whether the team is more balanced without its all-time leading scorer. Fernandes, however, has dismissed such conclusions as overly simplistic.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, the Manchester United captain argued that Portugal’s performances cannot be reduced to Ronaldo’s presence or absence. He stressed that football is about balance and adaptation, with each player offering different strengths.

“Cristiano inside the box is still a very high-level player,” Fernandes said. “I know many people think we play better without him, that players feel freer and more fluid. But if that happens, it’s partly our responsibility. We can’t worry about who is on the pitch — we have to adapt to what each player gives us.”

Fernandes highlighted that tactical differences naturally emerge depending on personnel. When Gonçalo Ramos leads the line, Portugal benefit from aggressive pressing and diagonal movement. When Ronaldo plays, the team gains a lethal penalty-box presence and finishing ability that few players in world football can replicate.

Ronaldo, now 40, remains the highest goalscorer in men’s international football, with 143 goals in 226 appearances since making his debut in 2003. His role with Portugal was questioned during the 2022 World Cup, when he was dropped to the bench under then-coach Fernando Santos. However, his prolific scoring form at Al Nassr ensured his return to the national setup under current head coach Roberto Martínez.

Fernandes also placed Ronaldo’s role within the broader context of squad dynamics. “When I don’t play and Bernardo Silva plays as a number 10, Bernardo gives you more control and possession. I give more of the final pass. Every player adds something and removes something else. Cristiano is no different,” he explained.

Since Martínez’s appointment, Portugal have enjoyed a strong run. They lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy, defeating Euro 2024 champions Spain, and topped their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with four wins from five matches. The team scored 20 goals and conceded seven, with Ronaldo finishing as the top scorer in the campaign with five goals.

While the Armenia rout — featuring hat-tricks from Fernandes and João Neves — reignited tactical debates, Fernandes remains clear in his stance. For Portugal, success heading into the 2026 World Cup is not about sidelining Ronaldo, but about maximising his strengths within a flexible system.

As Portugal prepare for their next global challenge, Fernandes believes their greatest asset lies in understanding how to blend experience with evolution — and that still includes their most iconic figure.