Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 tournament will be his final World Cup appearance, speaking ahead of Monday’s highly anticipated round of 16 showdown against Spain in Arlington, Texas.
The 41-year-old forward is currently participating in his record-breaking sixth edition of the tournament, having previously featured in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Ronaldo solidified his legendary status earlier in the competition by becoming the first player in football history to score in six separate World Cups when he found the back of the net against Uzbekistan during the group stage.
With the 2030 World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by his native Portugal alongside Spain and Morocco, Ronaldo made it clear that he will not be on the pitch for that historic tournament.
“It’s about enjoying it as much as possible,” Ronaldo stated toward the end of his pre-match press conference on Sunday. “This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game.”
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“The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I’ve given everything in football. I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it… You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?”
The veteran attacker scored twice in the group stage match against Uzbekistan before converting a crucial penalty against Croatia in the round of 32, which marked his first-ever career goal in a World Cup knockout phase.
Reflecting on his time in North America for this tournament, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star expressed deep gratitude for the environment.
“It’s been fantastic,” he remarked when asked about his experience at the tournament. “It goes beyond the pitch… This is the World Cup I’ll remember the most, because of people’s passion. It’s even more this time, I don’t know why. It’s been, emotionally, the best. I’ve enjoyed it very much.”
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Ronaldo, who famously captained Portugal to glory at the 2016 European Championships, firmly dismissed the notion that his illustrious career requires a World Cup trophy to be deemed complete.
“I’m not lacking anything in life,” he insisted. “I’m not going to be more, or less, Cristiano because I win the World Cup. We have the qualities to win, but only one country can win it… Age gives you maturity and experience.”
“I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive, turning 40, and I hope to live another 40 years, with the criticism, that’s how you grow the most as a person, and I thank you journalists for that.”
When the conversation shifted to Spain’s 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, Ronaldo offered praise while emphasizing the broader challenges of sustaining longevity in the modern game.
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“He’s a player with a big future,” Ronaldo noted. “But for me, I always see Spain as a whole, they’re all good… The more prepared you are, the better you’ll survive a long football career, if that’s what you want. If you listen to criticism, you’re lost.”
“There’s constructive criticism, and there’s criticism meant to kill you, too. You have to adapt if you want a long career, and focus on the love, the passion of the fans. Over time, I learnt to be connected to the people who love you, and have passion for what you’re doing.”
Ronaldo’s enduring impact was echoed by his upcoming opponents. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente spoke warmly of the Portuguese talisman during his own press duties, expressing immense admiration for the striker’s relentless work ethic.
De la Fuente labeled himself a fan of Cristiano and individuals with ambition and character, describing Ronaldo as a tireless example for youth. The Spanish manager added that his defense will need to be aware of Ronaldo at all times due to his world-class talent, though they will avoid using a specific man-marking system to contain him.
