Portugal's World Cup play-off against North Macedonia on Tuesday is a "matter of life and death," expressed Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the game.

Manchester United star Ronaldo is hoping to qualify for a fifth World Cup with Portugal and secure another chance to lift the trophy for the first time at the age of 37.

The winner of the match in Porto will book a spot at this year's World Cup edition.

"The team is quite confident, I feel all the players are ready," Ronaldo told a press conference on Monday.

"For us, this game is a matter of life and death, we are aware of its importance and I take this opportunity to appeal to the supporters to give us incredible support tomorrow," he added.

Ronaldo: "Portugal are at their best"

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Portugal would have likely been expecting to face Italy in the play-off final, but the European champions were defeated 1-0 by North Macedonia last week.

The Macedonians also claimed a surprise away victory over Germany earlier in the qualifying campaign.

"We're playing North Macedonia and of course, people think it's going to be an easier opponent," admitted Ronaldo.

According to the star, the game is "going to be an extremely tough game because if the Macedonians are here it's because they deserve to be."

He noted that "North Macedonia are a very organized team, but if Portugal are at their best, they beat any team in the world."

Will this be Ronaldo's last World Cup?

Ronaldo, the all-time record goalscorer in international football, will be 41 by the time of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

But the Portugal captain has not revealed yet if Qatar would be his last opportunity to play at the World Cup.

"The one who will decide my future is me," he said.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos has previously hinted that he will step down from the role if his team fails to qualify for the first time since 1998.