Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final World Cup of his international career.
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The 41-year-old forward made the announcement on Sunday ahead of Portugal’s highly anticipated Round of 16 clash against Spain, stating that he is focused entirely on enjoying his remaining moments on the world stage.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted he will eventually step away from the sport with no regrets, noting that his continued presence on the pitch is driven purely by a deep passion for the game rather than a need to prove anything to critics.
Ronaldo’s campaign in North America has already secured a permanent place in football history.
By netting a brace against Uzbekistan during the group stage, he became the first male player to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
Additionally, the legendary striker converted a critical penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32, registering his first-ever career goal in a World Cup knockout match.
Reflecting on his historic run, the veteran forward described the current tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the most emotionally rewarding World Cup of his illustrious career.
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