Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last with the Portuguese national team. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement during a press conference on Sunday, ahead of Portugal's round of 16 match against Spain.
Speaking to reporters, Ronaldo said: "I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup."
Ronaldo's Record-Breaking Career
Since making his debut for Portugal in 2003, Ronaldo has amassed 146 goals in 232 appearances, making him the most prolific goal-scorer in international football history. Despite criticism after a slow start to the tournament, he became the first player to score in six separate World Cups, netting twice against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 victory.
He also reached 10 World Cup goals, surpassing Eusebio's national record of nine set in 1966. At 41 years and 138 days, Ronaldo is the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history, behind Cameroon's Roger Milla (42 years, 39 days).
Portugal's World Cup Ambitions
Portugal face Spain in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6, in Dallas, Texas. Portugal's best World Cup finish is third place in 1966. Ronaldo's best performance came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals, losing 1-0 to France and then 3-1 to Germany in the third-place play-off.
Ronaldo has won numerous titles with club and country but has never won the World Cup. Victory against Spain would set up a quarter-final against either co-hosts USA or Belgium. A potential semi-final could see Portugal face France or Morocco, with Brazil, England, Argentina, and others on the other side of the draw.
