Cristiano Ronaldo Says 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last

Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will probably be his final appearance on the global stage.

Speaking during a video conference for CNN at a tourism forum in Riyadh, the Portuguese star admitted that his career is nearing its end.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 40 years old and plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

He explained that time is running out for him as a professional footballer, and he expects to retire within one or two years. “I will be 41, and I think that will be the right time,” he said.

Ronaldo’s World Cup journey

Ronaldo’s World Cup debut was in 2006 in Germany, where Portugal reached the semifinals before losing to France.

That remains his longest run in the tournament. Since then, he has played in every edition: 2010 in South Africa, 2014 in Brazil, 2018 in Russia, and 2022 in Qatar.

In these five tournaments, Ronaldo has scored eight goals in World Cup matches, making him Portugal’s all‑time top scorer in the competition.

Despite his individual impact, he has never lifted the World Cup. In his peak years, especially between 2008 and 2020, Portugal did not have the same depth or balance as other major teams, which always limited their chances of going far.

Ronaldo’s greatest international achievement came at Euro 2016, when Portugal defeated France in the final to win their first major international trophy.

The football’s all-time goal scorer became the first Portuguese captain to lead his nation to a senior international title. Later, he added more trophies by winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019, when Portugal hosted and beat the Netherlands in the final.

Most recently, Portugal won the 2025 UEFA Nations League, giving Ronaldo a second title in that competition and further cementing his legacy.

The 2026 challenge

The next World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be Ronaldo’s seventh and final tournament.

He will be 41, making him one of the oldest players to compete at this level. Despite his age, Ronaldo remains determined to help Portugal fight for the title.

Portugal enters the competition with a strong squad, featuring stars like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Rafael Leão.

The team has already qualified for the tournament and is considered a favorite due to its depth and talent across all positions.

End of an era

For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup represents a last dance to achieve the one major honor missing from his career.

His statement reflects realism about his age but also an ambition to leave the game on the biggest stage.

If Portugal performs well, Ronaldo’s last World Cup could become a defining chapter in his legendary career, and he will end his career as one of the most complete players ever.

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