Cristiano Ronaldo confirms FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his last
Portugal prepare for Spain clash
DALLAS, Texas – Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the final World Cup of his career as Portugal prepare to face Spain in the last 16.
The 41-year-old captain made the announcement during a press conference ahead of Monday's knockout clash in Dallas. While acknowledging that he is no longer the player he once was, Ronaldo insisted he remains determined to help Portugal progress and says he will retire on his own terms.
The veteran player also hit back at years of criticism, saying attempts to write him off have continued for more than two decades. "You've been trying to kill me for the past 23 years," Ronaldo said, adding that the criticism had only helped him grow. He also expressed hope that Portugal's meeting with Spain would not be the final match of his illustrious international career.
Final mission
Ronaldo has long maintained that this tournament would be his final World Cup, and he reiterated that position before Portugal's biggest match of the competition. The five-time UEFA Champions League winner said he would leave football with a "1,000%" clear conscience because he had given everything throughout his career.
The Portugal captain has scored three goals at the tournament, including a penalty against Croatia in the last-32 victory that kept his country's campaign alive. That strike was his first-ever knockout-stage World Cup goal and came in what was his 232nd international appearance. Head coach Roberto Martinez later substituted Ronaldo, with Goncalo Ramos coming off the bench to help Portugal secure qualification.
Despite leading Portugal's scoring charts at the tournament, Ronaldo's place in the starting line-up has become a major talking point. He has managed 15 shots, almost twice as many as any team-mate, but is yet to create a chance. In three of Portugal's four matches, he has recorded fewer than 25 touches, the lowest involvement of his World Cup career.
Ronaldo’s legacy
Ronaldo remains international football's all-time leading men's goalscorer with 146 goals and is featuring at a record sixth World Cup. He has scored in every edition of the tournament he has played, from Germany 2006 to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. 18-year-old Lamine Yamal.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2026
A generational #FIFAWorldCup match-up ???? pic.twitter.com/KLkrQLEVot
Portugal now face Spain knowing a defeat would end Ronaldo's World Cup journey immediately. Victory would extend the career of one of football's greatest players for at least one more match, with the captain insisting he remains relaxed, motivated and fully focused on helping Portugal continue their campaign.