Cristiano Ronaldo is taking part in what is expected to be his final World Cup in 2026, but his son could continue his legacy from 2030 onwards if he continues on his current trajectory.

Recently turned 16, Cristiano Junior has trained in the youth academies of Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He’s also represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level.

If he continues on that path, he’ll take over from his father, provided the teenager is deemed good enough to play for the senior team eventually. He has already overtaken his 6’2″ dad in height and has scored a huge number of goals in his youth career.

A tug-of-war could break out soon enough as Cristiano Jr could technically ply his trade for five different countries. But who are they and what is the link to Ronaldo’s son?

Ronaldo Jr Has 5 World Cup Nations to Choose From

Portugal

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The most obvious nation the youngster could choose to represent is that of his father. Ronaldo Jr wasn’t born in his dad’s homeland, but looks most likely to choose the 2026 World Cup favourites as his international team.

United States of America

Albert Gea via Reuters

The young forward was born in La Mesa, California. That means he could be donning the colours of the USMNT for the next World Cup. They have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s competition so far, but this would be an incredible coup to snap up the child of one of football’s greats.

Spain

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Under Spanish law, Ronaldo Jr could apply for citizenship and become a member of Luis de la Fuente’s European champions. This is because he spent more than three years living in the country while his dad was playing for Real Madrid.

England

England stars via Reuters: Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL/Sipa USA

If he keeps improving and scoring goals, there’s every chance the English Football Association will throw an interested glance in the 16-year-old’s direction. Having a Ronaldo turning out for England would be incredible to see. Again, he could become a British citizen due to the time his father spent at Manchester United.

Cape Verde

Paul Childs via Reuters

The least likely of his future international teams is Cape Verde. That’s if he takes footballing reasons into account. The African minnows have qualified for their second-ever World Cup in 2026, but can’t compete with the four other powerhouses Ronaldo Jr can pick from. However, he is entitled to play for them through his biological grandmother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro.

Arsenal are ramping up their efforts to sign some key transfer targets this summer, as the Daily Mail gives an update on one potential signing.

It comes as the Gunners are looking to take the squad forward another step, having recently secured their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Mikel Arteta is sticking around and hoping to make that a regular occurrence at the Emirates Stadium, with a squad already built to challenge again next season.

Some new arrivals could see the team evolve even further, with talks underway to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a squad option.

Then there’s the interest in Morgan Rogers, which appears to be heating up.

Arsenal Ready Morgan Rogers Move

Arsenal’s interest in Aston Villa star Rogers is well-known at this point, with the England international viewed as a key target for the Gunners, as well as their rivals Chelsea.

As the Europa League winners need to sell this summer, the playmaker is viewed as an ideal option to poach, but the Daily Mail reports that any deal could cost upwards of £85 million.

Despite that, the report claims that Arsenal are willing to step up their interest in Rogers, while their players are helping with a charm offensive to convince him that it is the right move to make.

It’s stated that his England teammates, most namely Declan Rice, are attempting to convince the 23-year-old that he could be an ideal addition to the squad.

It remains to be seen whether that will work, but it could ultimately get a deal over the line for a player who could add an extra dimension to the team.

Rogers has been described as a “superstar”, and for good reason, after an impressive campaign with Aston Villa. His skillset may be the difference between Arsenal retaining the title or missing out.

Who Else Are Arsenal Targeting?

Arsenal have their sights set on Rogers, but there are other players that appear to be targeted for a potential move over the coming weeks of the summer transfer window.

Beyond Tzolis, the Daily Mail reports that Julian Alvarez is still admired, even though Atletico Madrid have set a firm stance against selling the striker this summer.

In the midfield, Alex Scott is viewed as a possible addition from Bournemouth, though the Cherries are trying to get the star tied down to a new contract that could include a release clause.

All of them could be quality additions, but some sales could be required before the Gunners get to work on making some signings.

Following the logistical complications Uruguay faced when their plane was denied entry into the USA ahead of their World Cup opener last week, a second nation is now facing a race against the clock to be in the country in time for their decisive group game. Visa entry problems have been a regular theme in the early knockings of this summer’s showpiece event.

Perhaps the most noteworthy incident was the one that saw Somali referee Omar Artan prevented from making history, as his alleged links to a terrorist organisation meant he was sent back home. Meanwhile, players such as Breel Embolo, as well as staff like Iran’s head coach, along with journalists and photographers, have also been among those affected.

The strict US border control, put in place by Donald Trump and his administration, has created a stark contradiction in football politics after both he and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino claimed the “world will be welcome to America”. And now, another nation is having to deal with the headaches of a convoluted visa system.

Second Nation Facing US Entry Issues Ahead of Crunch Final Group Game

Daniel Becceril via Reuters

According to Romain Molina – a journalist who has previously worked for The Guardian and The New York Times – Tunisia are facing issues with visas ahead of their travel to the USA.

Although they are now eliminated following heavy defeats to Sweden and Japan, the final Group F match still carries huge weight for the Netherlands, who will head into the fixture feeling a win is needed to maintain top spot.

Indeed, as per Molina, the issues should be resolved in time, but a complication between someone from the federal office and a member of the Tunisia delegation has still made the process of getting to Kansas City difficult.

As he explains, it is down to “single-use visas”, similar to Iran’s previous complications, which meant “an Iranian player and the federation had to ‘remake’ the visa.” The administrative side to US immigration policies means that visitors are usually only allowed to enter the country once in a specified timeframe.

Tunisia’s Lamentable 2026 World Cup Efforts

The Eagles of Carthage sacked their manager after just one match at this summer’s World Cup, with Mondher Kebaie being handed his P45 after a 5-1 loss to Sweden. But while the appointment of Herve Renard was supposed to inspire the side to punch well above their weight, a 4-0 loss to Japan soon followed.

Now, several rumours are floating around about a potential exodus within the Tunisian governing body, with several members at loggerheads over where to go next. On the surface, neutrals are wondering how they even qualified for the tournament, given the lack of fight they’ve put up.

Having been drawn into a qualifying group with the worst-ranked team in Pot 2 (Equatorial Guinea), the second-worst ranked team in Pot 3 (Namibia), the second-worst ranked team in Pot 4 (Malawi) and the worst-ranked team in Pot 5 (Liberia), it was an unbelievable stroke of luck for them. But sadly, that fortune ran dry when it mattered most.