Ronaldo confirms final World Cup appearance
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States will be the final World Cup of his storied career. The 41-year-old forward made the announcement during a press conference ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain, as reported by OneFootball.
"I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup," Ronaldo said, addressing speculation about his future in international football.
Ronaldo dismisses retirement questions
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has started all four of Portugal's matches in the tournament and scored three goals, also pushed back against persistent questions about retirement. He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to the national team.
"I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the National Team. Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role," Ronaldo said. "I'll finish [retire] when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that. The most important thing is tomorrow."
Portugal's ambition to win the World Cup
Despite acknowledging this is his final World Cup, Ronaldo made clear that Portugal's objective is to lift the trophy. "If we didn't have the idea that we could win the World Cup, we wouldn't be here. It's been a beautiful experience. We've improved game by game," he stated, according to OneFootball.
"We know it's a competition where it's impossible to play well in every game, and it's not easy for anyone; just look at who's already been eliminated. I see the team as calm; we've trained well, we've prepared well," added Ronaldo.
Ronaldo on his form and goals
Asked about his own performance, Ronaldo noted, "I don't think I've been doing that badly... I've scored three goals. Others have scored more, but because they are doing very well. They feel very good. But let's see if I can score tomorrow."
Portugal's path to the Round of 16
Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a stoppage-time winner. Manager Roberto Martinez's side is aiming for back-to-back World Cup quarter-final appearances for the first time in the nation's history, though Portugal has not won consecutive knockout matches since 2006.
Spain: A formidable opponent
Standing in Portugal's way is a Spain side that has impressed throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente's team secured a commanding 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32 and became the first team since Germany in the 2014 World Cup final to prevent their opponents from registering a single shot on target in a knockout match.
Historic rivalry: Portugal vs. Spain
The Iberian rivals last met at the World Cup in 2018, when Ronaldo scored a memorable hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Portugal will now hope their captain can deliver another decisive performance to extend his farewell World Cup journey by at least one more match.
