The 2022 FIFA World Cup could see an international swansong for iconic duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as Portugal and Argentina do battle in Qatar.
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The pair’s rivalry has dominated world football for the last two decades, but as they approach their respective retirements Messi has already confirmed that this will be his last World Cup and hinted that he will step away from Argentina altogether at the end of 2022.
Ronaldo’s situation is less clear, with the Manchester United forward holding hopes of playing on beyond 40. He will be central to Portugal’s chances in the Middle East.
Fernando Santos’ success at Euro 2016 secured a first major title for Portugal but their World Cup record lags behind their European rivals.
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How many times has Portugal won the World Cup?
Portugal has never won the World Cup, despite boasting some incredible players over the years, including Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Eusebio.
A last-four spot in 2006 was a rare modern World Cup highlight for them, as Ronaldo has consistently been left frustrated on the biggest international stage.
Portugal’s World Cup history
Portugal’s talented stars have shone for their clubs, but there has been a history of underperformance on the international scene, as they aim to send Ronaldo out on a high in 2022.
Euro 2016 offered an initial springboard for a new generation of Portuguese superstars, including Manchester City trio Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Joao Cancelo, and Qatar will be an interesting testing ground for them.
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- *Did not enter
- **Did not qualify
| World Cup | Stage Reached | Record (W-D-L) | Goals Scored |
| 1930 | DNE* | – | – |
| 1934 | DNQ** | – | – |
| 1938 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1950 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1954 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1958 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1962 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1966 | Third Place | 5-0-1 | 17 |
| 1970 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1974 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1978 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1982 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1986 | Group Stage | 1-0-2 | 2 |
| 1990 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1994 | DNQ | – | – |
| 1998 | DNQ | – | – |
| 2002 | Group Stage | 1-0-2 | 6 |
| 2006 | Fourth Place | 4-1-2 | 7 |
| 2010 | Round of 16 | 1-2-1 | 7 |
| 2014 | Group Stage | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 2018 | Round of 16 | 1-2-1 | 6 |
Portugal 2022 World Cup schedule
Portugal’s quest for a maiden World Cup sees them play African giants Ghana first up in Doha. A crunch match against Uruguay is next up before Portugal rounds off group-stage action against South Korea.
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The likes of Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon would then await in the Round of 16, depending on where Portugal finishes in their group.
Group H match schedule
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Thu, Nov. 24 | Portugal vs. Ghana | 11:00 a.m. | Stadium 974 |
| Mon, Nov. 28 | Portugal vs. Uruguay | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Fri, Dec. 2 | Portugal vs. South Korea | 10:00 a.m. | Education City Stadium |
Potential knockout round schedule — if Portugal finishes 1st in Group H
| Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
| Tue, Dec. 6 | Round of 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarterfinals | 10:00 a.m. | Al Thumama Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semifinals | 2:00 p.m. | Al Bayt Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 17* | Third Place Match | 10:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18 | Final | 10:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
