WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Welcomed in Dallas During Historic World Cup Run

SMU found itself at the center of the global sports spotlight this weekend as one of soccer's biggest stars, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Portugal national team used the university's campus to prepare for one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal trained at SMU's Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium ahead of its Round of 16 showdown with neighboring rival Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The practice session was closed to the public, but that didn't stop hundreds of supporters from gathering around Dallas hoping to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo and the Portuguese squad as they arrived in the city.

For SMU, hosting one of the tournament favorites represents a major milestone and reinforces the university's role in one of the world's biggest sporting events. Earlier this year, FIFA selected SMU as an official Venue Specific Training Site for the 2026 World Cup, making Washburne Stadium the training base for teams competing in Dallas during the tournament.

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The opportunity carries extra significance because it marks a return to the World Cup for the Hilltop. During the 1994 FIFA World Cup, then-known as Westcott Field, the facility welcomed several international powers, including Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, as they prepared for matches in North Texas. More than three decades later, SMU is once again playing an important role on soccer's biggest stage.

Having Portugal on campus only adds to the excitement. Even at 41 years old, Ronaldo remains one of the world's most recognizable athletes, and he has confirmed this is the final World Cup appearance of his legendary career.

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Hosting Portugal also puts SMU in front of a worldwide audience during an event expected to attract billions of viewers. It showcases the university's first-class athletic facilities while highlighting Dallas as one of the premier host cities for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the tournament continues, SMU's campus will remain closely connected to the action, serving as a home away from home for teams competing in North Texas. With global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo walking the same fields used by Mustang student-athletes, SMU has become an unforgettable part of what will be the last World Cup chapter in one of soccer's greatest careers.