Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last as Portugal face Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, ending a Portugal career that stretches back to his debut in 2003. The Al Nassr striker made the announcement at a press conference on Sunday, on the eve of Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain in North America.

“I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes,” Ronaldo said. “But I hope that tomorrow won’t be my last game in the World Cup.”

The admission ends speculation over whether the 41-year-old would attempt to extend his international career to the 2030 edition. Ronaldo had long been coy on the subject, but his words on Sunday drew a clear line under any lingering ambiguity.

Ronaldo has been Portugal’s defining player for more than two decades, amassing 146 goals in 232 appearances — the highest scoring record in the history of men’s international football. He made his debut under Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2003 and has since appeared at five World Cups, winning the European Championship in 2016 and the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Despite his age, Ronaldo has remained a central figure in Roberto Martínez’s squad and was included in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup roster. His focus now turns to the knockout stage, where Portugal face a formidable Spain side in what could, if results go against them, be his final appearance on the world stage.

Whether Ronaldo can sign off with a deep run — or ultimately the trophy that has eluded him throughout his international career — remains to be seen. What is no longer in doubt is that this tournament marks the end of one of football’s most enduring international stories.