Leboeuf Backs Ronaldo-Led Portugal for 2026 World Cup Glory

France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup winner, Frank Leboeuf, has surprisingly tipped Portugal — not his native country — to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, throwing his support behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martínez’s side.

Leboeuf believes Portugal have the quality and depth needed to go all the way, insisting that their disappointment at the 2022 World Cup could serve as motivation rather than a setback. The Portuguese were knocked out in the quarter-finals in Qatar after a shock 1–0 defeat to Morocco, ending Ronaldo’s dream of winning the tournament on a bittersweet note.

Speaking with GOAL, Leboeuf drew an emotional parallel between recent World Cup narratives and what could unfold in 2026.

“It was like the 2022 World Cup was dedicated to Argentina’s Lionel Messi,” Leboeuf said.
“I hope that the 2026 World Cup will be dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo.
That would be fantastic for both Ronaldo and Portugal to get a World Cup. It is possible because Portugal has a hell of a team.”

Portugal’s current squad boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent, with stars across Europe’s top leagues, giving Martínez a wealth of options. For Leboeuf, this balance makes Portugal genuine contenders rather than romantic outsiders.

Opinion: Leboeuf’s prediction taps into a powerful football storyline. With Messi completing his World Cup journey in 2022, many fans feel Ronaldo deserves a similar fairytale ending. While 2026 may be Ronaldo’s final shot at the ultimate prize, Portugal’s success will depend on more than sentiment. Tactical cohesion, squad rotation and how the team evolves around their iconic captain will be crucial. Still, with the depth Portugal possess, Leboeuf’s belief doesn’t sound far-fetched — it sounds hopeful, bold, and just plausible enough to ignite World Cup debate.