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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, former Portugal defender Beto believes Cristiano Ronaldo could continue playing beyond what may be his final World Cup due to his exceptional fitness and professionalism. Beto said Portugal's title hopes depend on collective strength, not Ronaldo alone, and backed the current squad as one of the nation's strongest ever to challenge for football's biggest prize.

Leiria [Portugal]: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the footballing world is once again focusing its lens on Cristiano Ronaldo. Poised to make his historic sixth appearance at the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 41-year-old forward continues to defy the passage of time, a feat not lost on former Portugal teammate Beto.

While many speculate that this could be the Al-Nassr superstar's swan song on the global stage, Beto suggests that Ronaldo's legendary dedication to his fitness might extend his international career beyond this summer.

"The World Cup will be Cristiano's last, but I don't know if it will be his last major competition, because he takes care of himself and is very focused on his profession," Beto told Goal.com.

Despite Ronaldo's individual brilliance, Beto emphasised that Portugal's aspirations for a first-ever World Cup title will depend on the strength of the unit rather than the heroics of a single player. "The expectations are always positive, he makes the difference, and, for me, inside the area, he continues to make a big difference," the former defender noted. "Now, alone, no one wins anything; the collective must be good, not just Ronaldo."