Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a final shot at football's ultimate prize from a base of stunning luxury, as Portugal select a five-star Mexican resort for their 2026 World Cup campaign.
A Last Chance for Glory
The iconic striker, now 40, will enter what is almost certainly his last World Cup this summer, aiming to finally secure the one major trophy that has eluded him throughout a storied international career. Ronaldo is the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football with 143 goals in a record 226 caps. He has led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and to two Nations League titles, but a World Cup win remains the final frontier.
His closest brush with the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals, knocking out England along the way. Subsequent tournaments saw earlier exits until a run to the quarter-finals in 2022. The entire nation now hopes Ronaldo can end Portugal's wait for a first World Cup.
The £2,200-a-Night Footballing Haven
According to reports from Marca, the Portuguese Football Federation has chosen the Fairmont Mayakoba resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya as their team headquarters. This is despite the fact that none of Portugal's Group K matches will be played in Mexico.
The resort is a sprawling paradise set within 97 hectares of pristine rainforest and coastline, offering direct beach access. It features five swimming pools, including a vast 3,000 square-metre main pool with its own bar and an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the water. For relaxation and team bonding, the squad will have access to a top-tier golf course and various other sports facilities, with private areas reserved for training.
Luxury Accommodation for a Squad on a Mission
The hotel boasts 401 rooms, with luxury suites starting at around £866 per night and rising to approximately £2,227. The Portugal squad are expected to occupy the most premium accommodation, which includes beachfront suites and private bungalows. All rooms come with marble bathrooms, deep bathtubs, and coffee makers, ensuring home comforts while abroad.
The location was selected for its logistical advantages. Situated just 40 minutes from Cancun International Airport, it simplifies travel for a squad facing a tournament spread across three nations. Portugal's group games will be played in Houston and Miami in the USA.
A direct flight from Cancun to Houston takes two and a half hours, while the journey to Miami is just one hour and forty minutes. Should Portugal win their group, a round of 32 match in Kansas City would require a three-and-a-half-hour flight, with a potential round of 16 fixture in Vancouver being a four-hour journey.
With no expense spared in their pursuit of glory, Ronaldo and his teammates will prepare for their World Cup challenge surrounded by the ultimate in luxury and privacy at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
