Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined with hamstring injury, World Cup spot unaffected

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring tendon injury, his Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr confirmed on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old captain of the Portuguese national team sustained the injury during a Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fayha last month. Al-Nassr said Ronaldo has begun a rehabilitation programme, with his condition being monitored “day by day.”

Despite the setback, reports indicate that Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is unlikely to be affected.

Media outlets suggest the veteran forward could be sidelined for two to four weeks, giving him ample time to regain full fitness ahead of the tournament, where he aims to play in a record sixth World Cup.

Ronaldo, who has previously starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, remains a key figure for Portugal as they prepare for the global competition.