Roberto Martinez has shared insights into how Portugal plan to manage Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup, describing their strategy as “very natural.” As the legendary striker gears up for what could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, the national team coach made it clear that club-style performance metrics will not dictate decisions during the tournament.

Adopting a natural approach for a football icon

Portugal head coach Martinez has brushed aside any concerns about how Ronaldo’s physical condition will be managed leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking after unveiling his squad for the competition, Martinez stressed that the process of managing the Al-Nassr forward’s role has been smooth and free from rigid guidelines or restrictions.

When questioned about how he plans to monitor the veteran star’s playing time and fitness, Martinez was unequivocal. “The management is with a lot of naturalness. In a World Cup, a pattern that follows the club, the age, there is none of that. Everyone is focused and we have to manage the day-to-day well, that's all,” he told reporters.

Different demands between international and club management

Martinez underlined the contrast between coaching players in club football and managing them in international tournaments like the World Cup.

He explained that while club managers must account for long-term workload and fatigue across a lengthy season, international competitions call for short-term, situational decisions that prioritise current form and readiness over age or long-term physical planning.

The former Everton and Belgium boss noted that the compact schedule of the World Cup makes this possible. “We can talk about many dreams, but we only have three games to start with, that is our World Cup. And we need to manage those three in the best possible way,” he said.

Strengthening a well-established foundation

Since taking charge of Portugal, Martinez has built a strong working relationship with Ronaldo and the rest of the national squad. He highlighted the extensive data collection and psychological insights developed over the past two years as key elements in managing the team effectively during their campaign in North America.

Martinez expressed confidence that the mutual understanding between the coaching staff and Ronaldo will help them handle the pressures of the World Cup. “We already have a lot of information, we are talking about almost 40 games together,” he said. “Now it's about managing the group during the World Cup, something natural.”

Emphasising teamwork and shared responsibility

Although Ronaldo remains the centre of attention, Martinez insists that Portugal’s prospects hinge on the entire squad’s dedication and cohesion rather than one individual’s brilliance.

Summing up his outlook for the tournament, Martinez stated: “We believe a lot in the commitment and talent of our players to do that well.”

Ultimately, Portugal’s plan seems straightforward: treat every player — including their iconic No.7 — based on what the next 90 minutes demand in their pursuit of World Cup glory.