In the latest instalment of our FIFA World Cup 2026 team-by-team preview series, the spotlight falls on two of Europe's biggest footballing nations, Portugal and England.

Both teams arrive in North America with lofty ambitions, world-class talent and iconic leaders at the forefront.

While Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Harry Kane remains central to England's hopes of ending a six-decade wait for football's most coveted prize.

Portugal banking on Ronaldo's final World Cup push

Cristiano Ronaldo has entered his 42nd year and is looking forward to lighting up the FIFA World Cup in the Americas. Undoubtedly a legend of the sport, the Portuguese star has collected almost every major individual honour football has to offer and has been a key figure in his country's UEFA Euro triumph in 2016 and Nations League successes in 2018-19 and 2024-25.

Having featured in five World Cups since making his debut in 2006, Ronaldo has played 22 matches and scored eight goals on football's biggest stage.

After entertaining fans across the globe for more than two decades, Ronaldo is preparing for one final attempt at winning the FIFA World Cup, the one major trophy missing from his glittering collection. It is the title that Lionel Messi lifted with Argentina in Doha in 2022.

Winning the World Cup would be the ultimate achievement for a player who has featured in 758 club matches and 226 internationals, including 52 World Cup qualifiers.

While Portugal will need a combination of quality and fortune to go all the way, Ronaldo has continued to prove that fitness is not an issue despite his age.

He was on the pitch for 367 minutes across five World Cup qualifying matches played over 40 days last year.

He also accumulated more than 700 minutes across nine matches in the European Championship qualifiers and Nations League. Since January 2024, he has scored 25 goals in 30 appearances.

If Portugal is to challenge for the title, Ronaldo is expected to remain the team's focal point. Portugal topped its UEFA World Cup qualifying group despite suffering a 0-2 defeat to Ireland.

The team scored 20 goals during the campaign, with Ronaldo netting five, while Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves contributed three each.

Following a 9-0 win over Armenia in their final qualifier, Portugal defeated Chile and the United States in FIFA Series matches before being held to a goalless draw by Mexico. Ronaldo featured only against Chile.

Head coach Roberto Martinez has been in charge since 2023. Under his leadership, Portugal have won 26, drawn seven and lost five of their 38 matches, scoring 98 goals and conceding 31.

As the tournament approaches, attention will inevitably remain fixed on Ronaldo as he seeks to script one final chapter in an extraordinary international career.

England hoping Kane can end 60-year wait

Harry Kane and England were left devastated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when a missed penalty against France contributed to their quarter-final exit.

The disappointment added another chapter to England's long wait for a second World Cup title.

Since winning the trophy at Wembley in 1966, England have repeatedly come close without managing to reclaim football's greatest prize.

The Football Association has now placed its trust in German coach Thomas Tuchel, who took charge on January 1, 2025.

Tuchel arrives with an impressive club pedigree, having managed Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Kane enjoyed considerable success under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, scoring 36 goals in 32 matches. The striker is once again expected to be England's talisman at the World Cup.

England's World Cup history includes failures to qualify in 1974, 1978 and 1994, but the nation has featured in every tournament since 1998.

Along the way, England have reached six quarter-finals, finished fourth in 1990 and 2018, and advanced to the Round of 16 on two occasions.

The Three Lions were flawless during qualification, defeating Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra while scoring 22 goals and conceding none.

However, results following qualification have been less convincing. England lost 0-1 to Japan, were held to draws by Uruguay and later defeated New Zealand 1-0. At the World Cup, they are scheduled to face Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

England will once again rely heavily on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, whose experience remains crucial. The Everton keeper has played 82 internationals, recorded 51 victories and produced 110 saves.

Tuchel also has a wealth of talent at his disposal, including Reece James, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.

Kane scored eight goals during qualification, although he suffered a minor ankle injury in March.

England's chances could hinge on Kane's fitness and form, but Tuchel's arrival has generated renewed optimism that one of football's traditional powerhouses can finally end its long wait for World Cup glory.