Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup will be his last, 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 said the moment he retires from international football will come eventually, but insisted that whatever the outcome, he would walk away with a completely 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’s “not doing too badly.
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 said the moment he retires from international football will come eventually, but insisted that whatever the outcome, he would walk away with a completely 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’s “not doing too badly.