Two of soccer’s greatest stars are heading into what will likely be their final World Cups. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi look set to have one last dance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This winter’s tournament will be both of their fifth World Cups, so what are the Messi vs Ronaldo World Cup stats?
Messi: 19
Ronaldo: 17
Editor’s Note: This story on what pot is USMNT in for World Cup 2022 draw has been updated on March 31 to reflect the latest data.
Heading into the final week of World Cup qualifying before the all-important World Cup draw, the USMNT had a chance to play its way into the coveted Pot 1. Because of its results — and others around the world — the U.S. will not be in Pot 1. But the Americans did just enough to qualify for the World Cup, and now they can look forward to being placed in Pot 2 for the World Cup draw on Friday, April 1.
Before Portugal’s World Cup qualifying playoff game vs. North Macedonia Cristiano Ronaldo said, “There is no World Cup without Portugal.” Have no fear soccer fans, there will be a World Cup this year courtesy of Portugal defeating North Macedonia 2-0 on Tuesday to secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup.
PORTO, Portugal — North Macedonia's surprise win away to Italy in their World Cup playoff semifinal last week set up an unexpected clash against Portugal, with the country's Prime Minister offering the squad 500,000 euros ($549,300.00) if they reach the 2022 tournament.
The result shocked the soccer world and derailed a possible clash between the last two European champions Italy and Portugal, who both surprisingly missed out on automatically qualifying from the group stage for the World Cup in Qatar.
Over the weekend, Lionel Messi made headlines by hinting at his international retirement following the World Cup.
When the yin speaks then the yang must respond.
On Monday, Cristiano Ronaldo addressed the press ahead of Portugal's decisive World Cup playoff against North Macedonia, and Ronaldo also made headlines by hinting at an international career that could go on forever and ever.
PORTO, Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo is excited about the return of experienced defender Pepe to the Portugal squad after he missed Thursday's 3-1 win over Turkey due to COVID-19.
"The king is back! Pepe is back in the house! Look out!" a smiling Ronaldo shouted before Portugal's training session on a warm and sunny Sunday morning in Porto as the 39-year-old defender emerged from the dressing room.
Sometimes, the ball knows more than the referee and video replay.
With Portugal nursing a one-goal lead late in its UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff, Turkey was awarded a Charmin-soft penalty. Burak Yılmaz stepped up to the spot, but the ball knew what had to happen.
Yılmaz skied his penalty over the crossbar, Portugal scored a late insurance goal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s side advanced to the qualifying final with a 3-1 victory on Thursday.
Portugal now will play North Macedonia, which stunned Italy 1-0, on Tuesday for the right to go to the World Cup in November.
Portugal defender Pepe will miss their World Cup playoff semi-final against Turkey on Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19, the Portuguese Football Federation said.
The 39-year-old's absence means the former European champions will be without their two first-choice centre backs for the clash at Porto, with Ruben Dias ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Portugal will be without these players against Turkey:
The final major international window before the World Cup begins Monday and lasts through early next week with crucial matches being contested across UEFA, CONMEBOL, Concacaf, CAF, AFC and OFC. We'll know 29 of the 32 competing nations in Qatar after this period, with only the inter-confederation playoffs (two spots) and a delayed European playoff final (one spot) to go.
There’s been a lot of talk — A LOT — about how the USMNT is going to play three World Cup qualifiers in frigid temperatures this international break. Almost every post the @USMNT Twitter account has made this week has highlighted the fact it gets kinda cold in the northern parts of the U.S. in the winter.
Built for the elements. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/vvVJyO3QBY