Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — will mark the end of his international career. Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, the Portuguese captain said the 2026 edition would “definitely” be his last appearance in the tournament.
“Definitely, yes. I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment,” Ronaldo said, reflecting on his illustrious career that has spanned over two decades.
Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Quest
If Ronaldo features in the 2026 World Cup, it will be his sixth consecutive appearance, an unprecedented feat in football history. Currently, Portugal sits atop Group F in the UEFA qualifiers and could seal their World Cup berth with a win over the Republic of Ireland on November 13.
The World Cup trophy remains the only major title missing from Ronaldo’s glittering cabinet, which includes multiple Champions League, European Championship, and domestic league titles across England, Spain, and Italy.
Retirement Timeline: “Soon — One or Two Years”
The Al Nassr forward, who has scored over 950 career goals combining club and international fixtures, also provided clarity on his overall retirement plans.
“Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years. I’ll still be in the game, but not for long,” he remarked.
Ronaldo’s comments indicate that he intends to continue playing at the highest level for a short while longer before hanging up his boots, likely sometime around 2026–2027.
World Cup History and Legacy
Ronaldo made his World Cup debut in 2006, where Portugal reached the semifinals before bowing out to France. Since then, he has represented his nation in every edition of the tournament, becoming Portugal’s all-time top scorer and one of the most capped international players in football history.
Although he came close in 2006, the World Cup title has eluded him — a fact that has long fueled debate over his rivalry with Lionel Messi, who lifted the trophy in 2022.
Looking Beyond 2026
Ronaldo joined Saudi club Al Nassr in 2022 after departing Manchester United. While Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo has made it clear that he will not be an active player by then.
In a previous interview with Piers Morgan, he dismissed the notion that winning the World Cup defines greatness.
“No, it’s not a dream. To define what? To define if I am one of the best in history? Six games, seven games — you think it’s fair?” he said, emphasizing that his legacy transcends trophies.
End of an Era
As the world’s eyes turn toward the 2026 World Cup, fans will likely witness Cristiano Ronaldo’s final dance on football’s biggest stage — a fitting farewell to one of the game’s most iconic figures.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
