Ronaldo confirms 2026 will be his final World Cup

Abdullateef Fowewe

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

“Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it,” Ronaldo said on Sunday.

The 41‑year‑old Portuguese forward, who will take part in the tournament co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said he wanted to savour his final World Cup experience and thanked fans for their unwavering support.

He added, “I value those fans that simply love me and the team, without thinking about the others. I thank them for the support.”

Ronaldo’s World Cup career spans six tournaments, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 making him the first player to score at six different World Cups.

Across those editions he played 26 matches (2,116 minutes), scored 11 goals and provided two assists.

His tournament highlights include Portugal’s run to fourth place in 2006 and a memorable hat‑trick against Spain in 2018.

At the 2026 finals he added group‑stage goals and netted his first World Cup knockout‑stage goal with a penalty in Portugal’s round‑of‑32 match against Croatia.

Portugal will now look to build around their veteran talisman as he closes this chapter of his international career.