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Manchester City defender Rúben Dias is not convinced that the 2026 World Cup marks the end for veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, defending champion Lionel Messi, 38, and Luka Modric, 40.
The Portuguese centre-back spoke of the immense motivation his team feels to capture the only major trophy that their iconic captain has failed to win.
Extra motivation for Portugal
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated tournament, the Portuguese international addressed the growing narrative that this summer’s spectacle will serve as the final global showcase for several era-defining superstars.
In a recent interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola, the centre-back was asked about the possibility of this being the ultimate swan song for Argentina’s Messi, Croatia’s Modric and his own national team captain, Ronaldo.
The World Cup remains the only major title that the legendary striker has not won.
Dismissing the certainty of his impending international retirements with a simple “Let’s see…”, Dias explained what it would mean to win the elusive trophy. “It’s an extra motivating factor,” he explained about his historic search.
Win it for Ronaldo
For a nation that consistently produces top-level talent, winning football’s most prestigious award remains its ultimate ambition. Dias insists that the squad does not feel burdened by the expectations placed on them to present the trophy to their talismanic striker.
Rather, they see it as a collective mission to dethrone Messi and Argentina.
Detailing the mentality of the squad, the defender noted: “It would be a pleasure for all of us to be able to offer that moment to him, to ourselves, to all of Portugal, to our families. It does not represent extra pressure, it represents, yes, an even more special desire to be part of [the World Cup] and get there to win.”
Legacy of the legendary trio
The world stage will once again be graced by three defining figures who share an incredible 14 Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Inter Miami star Messi has a record eight Ballon d’Ors to go along with his 2022 World Cup triumph, two Copa América titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
Al-Nassr striker Ronaldo, who owns five Ballon d’Ors, has conquered Europe with five Champions League victories and a historic victory at Euro 2016, lifting league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Modric, now with Milan, broke their duopoly in 2018 to claim his solitary Ballon d’Or, complementing his remarkable six Champions League medals won during his brilliant time in Madrid.
Group stage battles await you
The three veterans face testing campaigns in the group stage beginning on June 17.
Defending champions Argentina will play Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Modric’s Croatia faces England, Panama and Ghana.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s trip begins against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, before facing Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27.
The heavyweights must face these challenging first matches to keep their championship dreams alive.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34) and each match will be streamed live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than a third of the tournament, will be broadcast in prime time on FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
