England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

Santos, Doak & eight best Premier League loanees of the season

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Saudi Arabia or MLS beckons for Pogba after Juve release

Why Man Utd & Liverpool both want Argentine teen Soler

How to watch Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson from anywhere

Where's Leo?! Messi invisible as Argentina upset by Paraguay

Ronaldo stunner the cherry on top for five-star Portugal 

Kroos opens door to Real Madrid return 

Should he stay or should he go? Miami's Luis Suarez dilemma

‘Like if Argentina turned on Messi’ – Could Mbappe retire?

Indonesia vs Japan: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Vini's nightmare goes on as Brazil drop more WCQ points

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo has failed to score at Euro 2024</li><li>Al Nassr striker facing criticism for 'selfishness'</li><li>Will be 41 in two years' time</li></ul>

Sir Alex Ferguson 'cannot imagine' Cristiano Ronaldo making 2026 World Cup as legendary ex-Man Utd boss suggests veteran Portugal striker won't be able to play at 'highest level'

UEFA Nations League A

Croatia

Portugal

Premier League

Ipswich

Manchester United

While Ronaldo has already admitted that this will be his final Euros, it's not clear yet whether he intends to lace the boots up at the World Cup in 2026. Yet in the opinion of Ferguson, Ronaldo would struggle to make an impact at the tournament due to the growing demands that would be placed on his 41-year-old body.

WHAT HAPPENED?

It's been a difficult competition for Portugal's Ronaldo, who has cried, screamed and, most notably, failed to score en route to the quarter-finals. The nadir came in the round-of-16 clash against Slovenia, in which Ronaldo seemingly ignored all team elements of football and tried single-handedly to drag the Selecao through, all of which ended with him missing a penalty and apologising to Portugal's fans.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Father Time remains unbeaten and Ferguson, who helped shape Ronaldo into a superstar at United, doesn't believe the forward will be able to play at the highest level required at the next World Cup.When asked if he expects to see Ronaldo at the tournament, Ferguson told <a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/" target="_blank">SportBild</a>: "I can't imagine that. Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller. In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older."Ferguson did, however, add that he considers Ronaldo to be "one of the greatest players of all time", and doesn't believe he has anything more to prove. "One or two more titles would not mean much to him," said the former United boss. "Because he has had a unique career."

WHAT FERGUSON SAID

France await Roberto Martinez's side in a mouth-watering quarter-final matchup on Friday, with the victors just two wins away from European glory. Ronaldo will be desperate to silence <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-slovenia-antics-definitive-proof-time-portugal-move-on-euro-2024/bltbbe3f54df8fb5c42" target="_blank">those calling for him to be dropped</a> when he comes up against Mbappe and Co.

WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND PORTUGAL?

Sir Alex Ferguson 'cannot imagine' Cristiano Ronaldo making 2026 World Cup as legendary ex-Man Utd boss suggests veteran Portugal striker won't be able to play at 'highest level' | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson doesn&apos;t expect to see a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo starring for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

Sir Alex Ferguson &apos;cannot imagine&apos; Cristiano Ronaldo making 2026 World Cup as legendary ex-Man Utd boss suggests veteran Portugal striker won&apos;t be able to play at &apos;highest level&apos;