Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his illustrious international career with Portugal, Softfootball reports.
The 41-year-old captain made the announcement during the knockout stages of the competition, ending speculation over whether he would feature in another World Cup.
Speaking about his future, Ronaldo said:
Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it.
The tournament marks Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, having made his debut on football’s biggest stage in Germany in 2006. Over the past two decades, he has become one of the most iconic figures in international football, setting numerous records while leading Portugal through multiple generations.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a remarkable career for his country, becoming Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and helping them win major international honours. His longevity and consistency have established him among the greatest players in football history.
Ronaldo’s confirmation has sparked an emotional response from supporters around the world, with fans paying tribute to his extraordinary achievements and reflecting on the end of an era for Portuguese football.
Although this will be his final World Cup, Ronaldo remains fully focused on helping Portugal progress further in the tournament as he looks to conclude his World Cup journey on a memorable note before bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers the game has ever witnessed.
