Cristiano Ronaldo says this will be his ‘last World Cup’

Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup will be his last, speaking ahead of Portugal’s round-of-16 clash with Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 6.Speaking at Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Ronaldo, said the focus now was on enjoying the tournament as much as possible, adding that although this would be his final World Cup, he hoped Monday’s game would not be his last.

He was quick to clarify, however, that the announcement did not signal an immediate retirement from international football, telling reporters he would step away on his own terms.
Also Read: Football will never see a rivalry like Messi vs Ronaldo again: Oliver KahnHe said the moment he retires from international duty will come eventually, but insisted that whatever the outcome against Spain, he would walk away with a clear conscience, given everything he has put into the game. He added that he no longer plays out of necessity but purely for the love of football, pointing to his three goals so far this tournament as proof he is “not doing too badly.”

This marks Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, spanning 2006 to 2026, and he became the first player in the tournament’s history to score in six different editions after netting against Uzbekistan in the group stage, according to ESPN.

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His penalty against Croatia in the round of 32 ended a long personal drought, as he had gone scoreless across his previous eight World Cup knockout appearances, making him, at 41, the oldest player to feature in a World Cup knockout match. He also holds the record for most Portugal appearances at this tournament, with 232 caps and 146 international goals overall.

Monday’s tie against Spain revives memories of the two sides’ 2018 group stage meeting, when Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his opponent ahead of the match, describing Ronaldo as a player of “ambition, character,” who remains “an example for youngsters,” as reported by ESPN.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six FIFA World Cups

Ronaldo’s announcement comes amid a tournament already shaped by the presence of veteran stars, with Lionel Messi and Luka Modric also possibly playing their last World Cups.

Portugal’s own transition was on display in the previous round, when substitute Goncalo Ramos scored a stoppage-time winner against Croatia.

Despite his extensive trophy cabinet, including the 2016 European Championship with Portugal, the World Cup remains the one major title to have eluded Ronaldo throughout his career.