At 40, five-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo has reconvened with the Portuguese national squad at Cidade do Futebol near Lisbon. Tuesday's session marked their first training since the tragic July car crash in Spain that claimed the lives of forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva.
With a mix of grief and resolve, the Nations League champions are channeling their emotions into preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Portugal travels to Yerevan to face Armenia on September 6, then heads to Budapest for a September 9 showdown with Hungary.
The road to the tournament, set across the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026, will test Portugal's blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Fans around the world will be watching to see if Ronaldo and his teammates can honor their fallen teammate with a winning start to qualification.
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Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Portugal ahead of World Cup qualifiers
cgtn.com
