SOCCER: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo named to record 6th World Cup roster

Cristiano Ronaldo and the World Cup continue to be an inseparable pair. The Portugal star forward has been named to his record sixth World Cup, a journey that began in 2006.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez released a full roster, including a few hopefuls, ahead of the tournament, which kicks off next month in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA is expected to announce the official squad lists on June 2.

Ronaldo, 41, first helped Portugal reach the semifinals during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. That marked Portugal's first semifinal appearance in 40 years. The team fell 1-0 to France in the semis and later lost to host Germany in the third-place match.

Over his World Cup career, Ronaldo has played in 22 matches, ranking fifth all-time, and has scored eight goals. During Portugal's opening match of the 2022 tournament against Ghana in Qatar, Ronaldo converted a penalty to become the first player to score in five different World Cups.

Currently, Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

Lionel Messi could also make a sixth World Cup appearance if selected for Argentina this summer. Messi holds the record for most World Cup matches played, with 26.

Alongside Ronaldo, Martinez included several high-profile players in the Portugal squad. Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva earned spots, while Paris Saint-Germain contributed four players: Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Goncalo Ramos, and Vitinha. The initial list also includes four goalkeepers.

Portugal, drawn into Group K, will open the tournament in Houston, facing Congo DR on June 17 and Uzbekistan on June 23. The team will close group play against Colombia in Miami on June 27.

-Field Level Media/Reuters