Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, acknowledging the end of an extraordinary international career that has spanned 23 years, 232 games, and 146 goals. Speaking on the eve of Portugal's last-16 match against Spain in Dallas, the 41-year-old captain admitted what many had long suspected.
Ronaldo's Final World Cup
“This will be my last World Cup; God willing tomorrow is not my last game,” Ronaldo said. If Portugal lose to Spain, his international career will end without a World Cup title, but he insisted he is at peace. “I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut against Kazakhstan in Chaves, coming on as a half-time substitute for Luís Figo in front of 8,000 fans. His potential final match could be against Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before 80,000 spectators.
Reflections on a Storied Career
At the pre-match press conference, Ronaldo reflected on two decades of scrutiny. “They’ve tried to kill me for 23 years,” he said with a smile. He noted that scoring three goals at this tournament is “not too bad.” When asked if he might return for another World Cup, he replied: “You don’t want me back.”
Ronaldo emphasized that he has no regrets. “The day will come, but honestly, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience, not 100% but 1,000% because I have given everything to football. I don’t need it; I live well, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it.”
Gratitude and Perspective
He expressed gratitude for his journey, even for the criticism. “I’m thankful even for the attacks I receive. That’s how you grow as a person, it has made me stronger, and I thank you journalists for that.” Ronaldo urged fans to enjoy the moment: “You have to enjoy every day, like the last World Cup, which it will be, but hopefully, hopefully, tomorrow is not the last day. Hopefully. And then you can kill me a bit more.”
Portugal face Spain on Monday in the last 16, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals. For Ronaldo, this match could mark the end of an era, but he remains focused on the task at hand.
