Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 FIFA World Cup is his final tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his international retirement following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his final international tournament.
- Portugal faces Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday.
- He became the first player to score in six World Cup editions.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed during a press conference on Sunday that the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final international tournament with the national team. The 41-year-old football star made the announcement ahead of a highly anticipated Round of 16 knockout match against regional rivals Spain scheduled for Monday.
ESPN reported that the veteran striker expressed a desire to enjoy the tournament as much as possible while hoping that the upcoming match would not be his last appearance. Ronaldo noted that although his international career is drawing to a close, he will leave with a clear conscience because he has dedicated everything to the sport. The forward emphasised that his continued participation is driven entirely by his deep passion for the game rather than personal necessity.
The veteran attacker secured a historic milestone during the current tournament by becoming the first footballer to score in six different editions of the competition. He netted three goals during the group stage, including two strikes against Uzbekistan and a critical penalty against Croatia during the Round of 32. The penalty marked the first knockout round goal of his career, which spans previous tournament appearances in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
The Portuguese captain reflected positively on his extensive international journey, explaining that maturity and age have granted him invaluable experience. Off the pitch, the Al-Nassr FC player proposed to his fiancée Georgina Rodríguez last year after eight years of dating, and the couple is currently planning their upcoming nuptials. Portugal is scheduled to face Spain in Dallas, Texas, for a place in the quarter-finals, ahead of co-hosting duties for the subsequent 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Morocco.