ARLINGTON, Texas — Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his illustrious international career, saying he wants to enjoy every moment before Portugal’s Round of 16 showdown with Spain.
Speaking at a rare World Cup news conference on Sunday, the 41-year-old Portugal captain said he hopes his farewell tournament does not end against Spain, but acknowledged this will be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
“I want to enjoy what will be my last World Cup to the fullest,” Ronaldo said. “Hopefully tomorrow won’t be my last match.”
Portugal’s all-time leading scorer insisted he has already achieved everything he dreamed of with club and country and said winning the World Cup would not define his legacy.
“There’s nothing missing,” he said. “God was so generous toward me. He gave me everything I never expected to win. I’m not going to be more Cristiano or less Cristiano because I win the World Cup.”
Ronaldo lightened the mood by recounting an encounter with an Argentine flight attendant before joking with reporters that they were eager to retire him, but his overall message reflected acceptance that his World Cup journey is nearing its conclusion.
The Portugal captain heads into Monday’s clash after scoring in his team’s 2-1 Round of 32 victory over Croatia, taking his World Cup tally to 11 goals, including three in this tournament. He also extended his all-time international scoring record to 146 goals.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente warned his players they must remain alert despite Ronaldo’s age, describing the veteran striker as a player capable of deciding matches at any moment.
Portugal is aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive tournament. The winner will move one step closer to the title that has eluded Ronaldo throughout his remarkable career.
Ronaldo trails tournament Golden Boot leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who have seven goals each, but said his focus remains on helping Portugal continue its campaign rather than individual accolades.
“I can still score goals,” Ronaldo said. “I hope I do that tomorrow, and if I don’t, I hope someone else on the team does.”
Source: Saudi Gazette