Former United States international Taylor Twellman believes Portugal may perform better without Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to ESPN ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Twellman described the current Portuguese squad as the strongest Ronaldo has played with at a World Cup.
“For Portugal, and I am going to make a bold statement here, this is the best team Ronaldo has ever had around him at a World Cup.
“I actually think Portugal is at their best if he doesn’t play.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for what would be his sixth World Cup appearance, while Portugal have been drawn in Group K alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
The side managed by Roberto Martinez will also face Chile and Nigeria in pre-tournament friendly matches.
