Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Sunday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament.
Ronaldo, 41, made the announcement on July 5, 2026, during a press conference in Arlington, Texas, one day before Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain.
The game kicked off at 8:00 p.m. WAT on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Ronaldo said the decision reflects his desire to enjoy the competition and noted that he will retire from international football on his own terms.
Speaking to reporters, Ronaldo addressed speculation about his role with the national team and his future. He said he will leave the World Cup with “a clear conscience, not 100%, 1,000%” because he has “given everything” in football. He added that he does not play out of necessity but out of passion for the sport.
Ronaldo has scored three goals in the 2026 tournament, including two against Uzbekistan in the group stage and a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32. That penalty marked his first goal in a World Cup knockout round.
The match against Spain could be Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance if Portugal is eliminated. Spain entered the Round of 16 after a 3-0 win over Austria and has not conceded a goal in the tournament.