In what will likely be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup, Portugal heads into this summer’s tournament determined to send its hero out in a blaze of glory.

Unlike in years past, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has an exceptional supporting cast fit to compete for the most illustrious trophy in soccer. Portugal is as well-rounded a team as any, with Paris Saint-Germain stars Vitinha and João Neves and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes just a few pieces of a puzzle that’s finally coming together for the Seleção das Quinas.

There has never been a better time for the reigning UEFA Nations League champions to make its first-ever World Cup final, and it all starts against DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 17.

The Road to the World Cup

Qualification record : 4W-1L-1D

Goals for / against: 20 / 7

Top scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (5)

Assist leaders: João Cancelo, Nélson Semedo (2)

Portugal got its qualifying campaign off to a flying start, tallying three wins in its first three matches to sit…