Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to take centre stage in the United States next year when the FIFA World Cup comes to North America.
Portugal have sealed qualification for the 2026 tournament, an event that will surely represent Ronaldo's last crack at the sport's biggest international prize.
The 40-year-old has played at every World Cup since the Selecao's run to the semifinals in 2006, scoring eight goals in 22 appearances overall.
Ronaldo made a major U.S. Appearance of a very different kind in Washington D.C. This week.
MORE: Ronaldo's red card vs. Ireland and a possible World Cup ban
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House?
On Tuesday, November 18, Ronaldo attended a black-tie dinner at the White House hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
"It's a special privilege to welcome His Royal Highness to Washington this year as we mark the 80th anniversary of the first meeting between a U.S. President and a Saudi King... Right now, you have the best friend you've ever had." - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/6HFCPCT8FL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 19, 2025
Ronaldo has played his club football in Saudi Arabia for Al Nassr since 2023.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook were among the business leaders present at the dinner. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was also there.
Does Cristiano Ronaldo support Donald Trump?
At the G7 summit in June, President Trump received a signed Ronaldo shirt from the Portuguese European Council president, Antonio Costa. Ronaldo wrote the message: "To President Donald J. Trump, Playing for peace."
"If the world is in peace, it's our goal. He's one of the guys who can help to change the world. This is my main goal," Ronaldo said, explaining the note in an interview with Piers Morgan.
"One of the most important guys is the U.S. President, if we can help each other to make [peace] happen… because I swear I can't watch TV, sometimes I start to see the news… I can't."
Ronaldo stated he would like to meet Trump and noted he had been in Saudi Arabia recently, "with our boss, MBS [Bin Salman]".
The soccer superstar added: "I really like him because I think he can make things happen and I like people like that."
At the White House dinner, Trump spoke warmly about Ronaldo in turn and explained his son Barron's admiration for the player.
"My son is a big fan of Ronaldo," he said. "And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you."
MORE: Ronaldo's record for most international caps in men's football
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at the 2026 World Cup?
Ronaldo is set to play at the 2026 World Cup after Portugal sealed a place as winners of their UEFA qualifying group.
However, the veteran forward could be banned for Portugal's first two matches after he was sent off during a 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Ronaldo elbowed Ireland defender Dara O'Shea. Straight red cards for violent conduct typically carry a suspension of between one and three games. He has already sat out one match, Portugal's concluding 9-1 win over Armenia in Group F. That took care of his mandatory one-game ban for the offence.
Any further suspension is in the hands of FIFA's disciplinary committee. Guidelines state that "at least two matches for serious foul play" can be imposed, while red cards for "assault, including elbowing…" can be punished by a three-game suspension.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo allowed in the United States?
The White House dinner marked one of Ronaldo's first known visits to the United States since 2016.
In the interim period, Kathryn Mayorga alleged that she was raped by Ronaldo in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. Ronaldo has always vehemently denied the allegations.
In 2019, U.S. Prosecutors said the sexual assault claims could not be proven and that Ronaldo would not face charges.
In June 2022, a U.S. District judge in Las Vegas dismissed a $25 million lawsuit seeking more extensive damages from Ronaldo than the $375,000 Mayorga received as part of a confidentiality agreement in 2010.