How many goals will Cristiano Ronaldo score at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo makes history as the first male player to appear in six World Cups from 2006 to 2026. Before this year’s tournament, the legendary Portuguese attacker became the only male player to score in five separate World Cups, as he looks to set a new record of six with a goal in this one.

Despite an unforgettable career to this point, Ronaldo has never won the World Cup. At 41 years old, this is likely his last chance to do so. However, sometimes age is just a number; the Al-Nassr goalscorer is still capable of scoring from anywhere – just take a look at his scoring projections ahead of this 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Check out our full list of World Cup odds.

Ronaldo’s International Goal History

Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Ronaldo has scored exactly one goal in every tournament, including the 2010 South African, 2014 Brazilian and 2022 Qatari World Cups, with the only exception being the 2018 Russian World Cup – where he scored four.

As of his most recent Portuguese cap in November 2025, Ronaldo has racked up 143 goals in 226 caps – 82 with his deadly right foot, 33 with his left and 28 with his head. Thirty three of those goals were from set plays (free kicks and PKs), accounting for 25% of his total count for his country. The five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner certainly boasts the most impressive goalscoring stats throughout his career, but as he phases out in his older age, can he truly keep up those numbers?

Portugal’s Starting Lineup

Two major factors affect Cristiano’s chances of scoring, with the first being how well Portugal performs in Group K and the second being how much playing time Roberto Martinez decides to give Ronaldo, if any.

Portugal arguably puts out their most talented squad since 2006 with top-quality talent including Al-Nassar teammate Joao Felix, Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Man United), Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias (Man City) and Joao Cancelo (Barcelona). 

Group K also appears to be one of the lighter groups, with Colombia being the only realistic threat, so Portugal should be able to dominate and pile up goals.

The 2026 Portuguese captain could be used as a super sub like in the past, but when he comes on, he’ll have plenty of talented options surrounding him, especially with Vitinha and Fernandes controlling the midfield and Cancelo and Mendes ready to serve crosses from the flanks. Ronaldo will likely either start and play around 60 minutes or get subbed on 60 minutes into the contest.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Stats

Even at 41 years old, the Man United and Real Madrid legend has 28 goals in the Saudi Pro League in just 30 matches this season. 

Ronaldo’s most recent national team highlight was netting the game-tying goal in the Nations League Final against Spain in June 2025 to help Portugal win the trophy in penalty kicks. 

The footballing superstar has not made an appearance for Portugal since the World Cup Qualifiers matchday nine of 10, where he was sent off for a 90′ red card. He has been unavailable for his country’s two most recent friendlies against Mexico and USA in March due to a lingering hamstring injury, which is hopefully sorted out before facing DR Congo in their first group match on June 17.

Cristiano Ronaldo World Cup Odds

Check out our full list of World Cup odds.

Assuming the Portuguese captain sees the pitch, there’s no doubt Ronaldo will capture his ninth World Cup goal in history and become the first and only player to score in six different World Cups.

Portugal will play the DR Congo first, of whom they should make light work. If any penalties are given while Cristiano is fielded, he’s almost certain to take it from the spot and score. Uzbekistan shouldn’t be much of an issue for the Portuguese side either, giving Ronaldo two ripe back-to-back chances to score at least one. Colombia may be tougher opponents, but the six-foot-two forward is no stranger to poaching clutch headers and finishes to save his team in high-stakes games.

Overall, Portugal is likely to make it out of their group, so we can presume Ronaldo will have at least four chances to play. He will definitely be used in at least two games – especially after Portugal seals their qualification – for around 45 minutes or more. Combine this factor with him averaging over one goal per World Cup historically, and I could see him netting up to three goals this summer.