Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final tournament of his international career, with the Portugal international revealing that he will leave the world “with a clear conscience” regardless of how his country’s campaign ends.The announcement came at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 clash with Spain in Dallas, where the 41-year-old spoke about her future after the record-breaking World Cup. While it is clear that his focus remains on helping Portugal progress, Ronaldo admitted that the tournament is the final stage of a career that has redefined the longevity of the international game.
Ronaldo confirms his last World Cup
Speaking to the media on the evening of Portugal’s defeat, Ronaldo admitted that the moment he had avoided talking about had come.“I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “But I hope that tomorrow will not be my last game in the World Cup.”Later in a press conference, he expanded his views while insisting that the first step should be Portugal’s performance rather than a farewell.“You always ask the same question, if this is the last one. We’ll see. I don’t want to look at it, it’s not important. What’s important is that we pass,” he said.The Portuguese leader still admitted that, after more than two decades representing his country, he was at peace with everything he had achieved.“The day will come, but to be honest, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience, not 100% but 1,000%, because I have given everything to football. I don’t want it; I live well, but it’s a passion. I play football because I love it.”
“God has been generous to me”
Ronaldo also reflected on the feat that led to his Portugal debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003 to become the most successful goal in international football history.Now with 146 goals in 232 games for Portugal, he said lifting the World Cup would not define his legacy.“I don’t need anything; God has been generous to me,” Ronaldo said. “I will not be Cristiano or Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal speaks to the media during a press conference preparing for the World Cup’s Round of 16 soccer match against Spain on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The former manager explained that his motivations were not driven by demand or recognition.“Regardless of what happens tomorrow I will not force myself to win. You have to enjoy every game in a big tournament like the World Cup. I think I’m not doing too bad. I scored three goals, others have done better but I think I’m not doing too bad.”He said that criticism has become a part of his career and has ultimately motivated him.“They have tried to kill me for 23 years. There is no reason to listen too much. It’s part of it. The Portuguese people have faith, they don’t stop us, they are always on our side, on my side. Everything else is rubbish. It doesn’t matter. I don’t need anything in life. God has given me everything, more than I expected. Many years give me growth. I am grateful even for the threats I receive. That’s how you grow as a person; it has strengthened my heart.“Smiling, Ronaldo concluded: “You have to enjoy every day, like the last World Cup, which will be, but hopefully, tomorrow is not the last day.
A race already steeped in history
Ronaldo arrives at the Spanish club having already added many more records to his international career.At the start of the tournament, he became the oldest player to score a knockout match at a men’s World Cup, surpassing former Portugal team-mate Pepe, who held the record at 39 years and nine months.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) celebrates scoring a goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, Thursday, July 2, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press via AP)
He added another remarkable achievement by becoming the first player to participate in six FIFA World Cups, having found the net in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions, in addition to his previous appearances.His three goals at the World Cup so far have shown that, despite being 41 years old, he is still one of Portugal’s leading attackers.
Portugal face Spain with a place in the quarter-finals at stake
Portugal’s Round of 16 clash with Spain now has more meaning after Ronaldo’s announcement.Defeat in Dallas would have ended the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the World Cup, while a win would have extended his retirement for at least another game and kept alive his quest for a major international tournament that still lacked a successful career.
Croatia’s Luka Modric (10) hugs Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Portugal and Croatia in Toronto, Thursday, July 2, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press via AP)
Speculation about Ronaldo’s retirement ran high ahead of the tournament after his sister, Katia Aveiro, said his “last dance” was with Portugal. “Enjoy the long term,” Aveiro said. “It will be over soon. The information I have, from a reliable source … this is her last dance. I hope it’s not today that she says goodbye, but she’s coming soon. I really hope this is her goodbye.” He also said: “So be very happy because it is difficult to find someone after you have achieved 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portugal national team.” Now, the captain has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will indeed be his last appearance at football’s biggest event.However, at the moment, Ronaldo’s thoughts are still in the present. Portugal won the quarter-finals, and the man who has spent 23 years rewriting football history has confirmed that his final World Cup story is not yet over.
