Cristiano Ronaldo is set to visit Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, following Portugal's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Portugal captain has expressed a desire to meet the US president to discuss world peace, calling Trump 'one of the guys who can help to change the world'.
Three White House officials have confirmed Ronaldo's planned visit, which coincides with Trump's scheduled meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, though it remains unclear if the meetings are connected.
The visit comes amid reports of a planned friendly between the USA and Portugal in March 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Athletic reports the match will soon be confirmed, serving as a warm-up for the World Cup hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Ronaldo has not played on American soil in 12 years, with his last US appearance in August 2014 as a substitute for Real Madrid. His absence from the US also follows sexual assault allegations made by model Kathryn Mayorga in 2009, which Ronaldo has always denied and no charges were brought.
Ronaldo has been making efforts to win over Trump, with Portuguese-born European Council president Antonio Costa giving Trump a signed Portugal shirt in July. Ronaldo told Piers Morgan he wishes to meet Trump to discuss peace, adding: 'I like people like that.'
The Portugal captain is gearing up for what he says will 'definitely' be his last major tournament. However, he may miss the first two group matches after receiving a red card for elbowing Dara O'Shea in Portugal's loss to the Republic of Ireland.
