Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the final World Cup of his career, although the Portugal captain stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football ahead of Sunday’s Round of 16 clash against Spain.

The 41-year-old revealed his decision during his pre-match press conference, ending months of speculation over whether he would attempt to feature at a record-extending seventh World Cup. However, Ronaldo insisted he has not yet decided when his journey with Portugal will come to an end.

Cristiano Ronaldo says FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his final tournament

Ronaldo acknowledged that every knockout match could now be his last on football’s biggest stage but said his immediate focus remained on helping Portugal progress.

“This will be my last World Cup, but let’s hope tomorrow isn’t my last game… I want to enjoy it as much as possible.”

The announcement marks the closing chapter of one of the most remarkable World Cup careers in men’s football. Ronaldo first appeared at the tournament in 2006 and has since become the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups, further extending his place in football history during the 2026 edition.

Cristiano Ronaldo says his motivation remains passion, not legacy

Despite the significance of the announcement, Ronaldo made it clear he is playing for the love of football rather than to enhance his legacy.

“To be honest, whatever happens tomorrow, I will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I’ve given everything in football. I don’t need it; I live well, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it.”

Those comments underline a shift in Ronaldo’s outlook as he approaches the final phase of his career. Rather than framing the tournament as one final opportunity to complete his trophy cabinet, the Portugal captain suggested he is content with everything he has already achieved.

He also dismissed the notion that winning the World Cup would define his career.

“I’m not missing anything; God has been generous to me. I won’t be more Cristiano or less Cristiano if I win the World Cup or not.”

Portugal captain leaves retirement timeline open

While confirming this will be his last World Cup, Ronaldo reiterated that he has not made a final decision on retiring from international football.

“Whether I am playing or not, I will always have an important role with this national team. I will finish when I decide to finish, as I said years ago.”

That leaves open the possibility of Ronaldo continuing with Portugal beyond the World Cup, potentially through the next UEFA Nations League campaign or the qualifying cycle for UEFA Euro 2028.

Cristiano Ronaldo still chasing World Cup glory with Portugal

Ronaldo heads into Portugal’s Round of 16 meeting with Spain in impressive form, having scored three goals in four matches at the tournament.

His penalty against Croatia in the previous round made him the oldest player to score in a men’s World Cup knockout match, while his overall tally of 11 World Cup goals has seen him surpass Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.

Across his international career, Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 232 appearances and captained Portugal to UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025. The FIFA World Cup remains the only major honour missing from his international résumé.

With Portugal now preparing for a high-stakes meeting with Spain, Ronaldo has confirmed the tournament represents his final chance to lift football’s biggest prize, even if his farewell to international football may come at a later date.