Ruben Dias: 2026 World Cup may not be the 'last dance'

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, speculation has intensified over whether the upcoming tournament will serve as the final global stage for three defining icons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Luka Modric. Portugal defender Ruben Dias has pushed back against the narrative, suggesting that retirement is not a certainty for the veterans.

For Portugal, the tournament represents a collective mission. Dias insists that the squad does not view the quest for the trophy as a heavy burden placed upon Ronaldo, but rather as a shared ambition. "It would be a pleasure for all of us to be able to provide that moment to him, to ourselves, to all of Portugal, to our families," he noted. "It does not represent extra pressure, it represents, yes, an even more special desire to be part of it and to get there to win."

The trio, who share a remarkable 14 Ballon d'Or awards, continues to influence the game at the highest level. While Messi enters as a reigning champion and Ronaldo remains a prolific threat, Modric continues to pull strings in midfield, now representing AC Milan.

The veterans face rigorous group-stage schedules beginning on June 17. Portugal’s campaign opens against DR Congo, followed by matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia. With Argentina and Croatia also facing challenging paths, the heavyweights must navigate their early fixtures carefully to keep their championship dreams alive.