Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his remarkable international career, with the Portugal captain revealing that he will leave the international stage with a “clear conscience” regardless of how the international campaign ends.The news was announced at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s last-16 tie against Spain in Dallas, with the 41-year-old addressing speculation surrounding his future after another record-breaking World Cup. Ronaldo made it clear that his immediate focus remains on helping Portugal improve, but he also acknowledged that the game marked the end of a chapter in a career that has redefined longevity in international football.
Ronaldo confirms his final World Cup
Speaking to reporters on the eve of Portugal’s knockout round, Ronaldo admitted the moment he had long avoided discussing had finally arrived.“I want to enjoy it as much as possible because it will be my last World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “But I hope tomorrow won’t be my last game at the World Cup.”Speaking later in a press conference, he set out his thoughts while insisting the priority remained Portugal’s performance rather than his own farewell.“You always ask the same question, is this the last time. We’ll see. I don’t want to draw attention to it, it doesn’t matter. What matters is whether we get through,” he said.Despite this, the Portugal captain admits that after more than two decades representing his country, he feels completely at peace with everything he has achieved.“The day will come, but to be honest, no matter what happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience, not 100 per cent but 1,000 per cent because I have given everything for football. I don’t need it; I live a good life, but it depends on passion. I play football because I love it. “
“God has been generous to me”
Ronaldo also looked back on his career, from making his debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan in August 2003 to becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in international football history.Now, with 146 goals in 232 appearances for Portugal, he says lifting the World Cup does not define how he sees his legacy.“I haven’t missed anything; God has been generous to me,” Ronaldo said. “Whether I win the World Cup or not, I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano.”
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to reporters during a press conference ahead of their World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Spain in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, July 5, 2026, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The veteran striker explained that his motivation was never out of necessity or personal recognition.“No matter what happens tomorrow, I won’t put pressure on myself that I have to win. In a big tournament like the World Cup, you have to enjoy every game. I think I did OK. I scored three goals, others did better, but I think I did OK.”He added that criticism has become a part of his career and ultimately empowered him.“They have been trying to kill me for 23 years. There is no need to pay too much attention to it. This is part of it. The Portuguese have faith, they never let us down, they are always on our side, my side. The rest is rubbish. It doesn’t matter at all. I don’t lack anything in my life. God has given me everything, more than I could have ever imagined. Age gives you maturity and experience.” I am grateful even for the attacks I receive. That’s how you grow as a person; it makes me stronger.“Ronaldo concluded with a smile: “You have to enjoy every day, just like the last World Cup, but hopefully tomorrow is not the last day. I hope so. Then you can kill me a little more.”
A tournament already filled with historic milestones
Ronaldo comes into the Spanish match having already added several more records to his unparalleled international career.Earlier, he became the oldest player to score in the knockout rounds of the Men’s World Cup, surpassing former Portugal teammate Pepe (39 years and 9 months) who previously held the scoring record.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates a penalty kick goal during the World Cup round of 32 football match between Portugal and Croatia on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Toronto. (Sammy Kogan/Canadian Press via AP)
He also achieved another remarkable achievement by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, having now scored at the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 tournaments in addition to his previous appearances.His three goals at this World Cup once again proved that even at the age of 41, he is still one of Portugal’s decisive offensive figures.
Portugal faces Spain with their place in the quarter-finals in jeopardy
After Ronaldo’s announcement, Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain now becomes even more important.Defeat in Dallas would bring an immediate end to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s World Cup career, while victory would see him play at least one more game and continue his pursuit of the only major international trophy still missing from his illustrious career.
Croatia’s Luka Modric (10) hugs Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) after their World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Toronto on Thursday, July 2, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/Canadian Press via AP)
Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s retirement has intensified ahead of the World Cup after his sister Catia Aveiro said it would be his “last dance” with Portugal. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” Aveiro said. “It will end soon. The information I have from reliable sources… this is his last dance. I believe they will not say goodbye today, but it will come soon. I firmly believe it is a farewell.” She added: “So enjoy it because after 200 goals it is difficult to find the right person. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team. “Now, the captain himself has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will indeed be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.For now, however, Ronaldo’s focus remains firmly on the present. With Portugal just one win away from the quarter-finals, the man who spent 23 years rewriting football history is determined to ensure his final World Cup story is not over yet.
