Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his international career, but insists he is not ready for his journey with Portugal to end in the round of 16.
The 41-year-old made the announcement while speaking to reporters ahead of Portugal’s knockout clash against Spain in Dallas, where the winners will advance to the quarter-finals.
Portugal captain eyes quarter-final before international farewell
Ronaldo said he hopes Monday’s encounter will not be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
“Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match,” Ronaldo told reporters.
The Portugal captain received applause from journalists as he left the press conference after confirming his plans.
Veteran focused on helping Portugal progress
Although speculation has surrounded his future throughout the tournament, Ronaldo had previously avoided confirming whether this would be his final World Cup, despite being 45 by the time the next edition takes place in 2030.
Reflecting on his career, the Al-Nassr striker said he has no regrets about what he has achieved with both club and country.
“I’m going to be perfectly honest, regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1,000 per cent leaving with a clear conscience,” he said.
“I have given all I could to football, it’s my passion to play for so many years. I didn’t do it out of need, I’m doing well out of life. It’s about passion. I play for the national team and I love to play football.”
Ronaldo also dismissed suggestions that he is placing extra pressure on himself to win the competition.
“Regardless of what happens tomorrow I’m not going to exert pressure on myself that I must win. You have to enjoy every match at a huge competition like the World Cup,” he added.
The veteran forward has scored three goals at this year’s tournament, including a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia in the round of 32.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 146 goals in 232 appearances.
He also became the first footballer to score in six different World Cups and is the oldest player to feature in a World Cup knockout match.