Cristiano Ronaldo set to make history as Portugal announce World Cup squad | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance after his inclusion in Portugal's squad, which was announced on Tuesday.

Head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed the veteran's place, and noted that the late Diogo Jota would be a poignant presence as the team strives for its first World Cup title.

The 28-year-old Jota, a regular in the national side, tragically died in a car crash in Spain last year.

Martínez has selected the 41-year-old Ronaldo and 26 other players to secure Portugal's maiden World Cup trophy.

Roberto Martinez named his squad on Tuesday (AP)

This tournament is widely anticipated to be Ronaldo's final attempt at lifting football's most coveted prize, and his first World Cup since departing elite European football for Saudi Arabia.

He and his long-standing rival, Argentina's Lionel Messi, could become the first men to play in six World Cups.

Ronaldo already holds the record for most appearances (226) and goals (143) for a men’s national team, and is the only man to have scored in five World Cups.

Ronaldo told CNN in November that this one "definitely" would be his last World Cup.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr teammate João Félix, Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes are also in the squad.

Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos also made the list. Martínez selected four goalkeepers for his squad.

Portugal are in Group K along with Colombia, Uzbekistan and Congo, and will open their campaign against Congo on 17 June in Houston.