Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup, set to be played across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be his last.
Since making his debut in Germany in 2006, the Portuguese forward has never missed a tournament. But as he approaches 41, he says the next edition will mark the end of his World Cup journey.
“My last World Cup? Yes, definitely. I’ll be 41, and I think that’ll be the right time,” Ronaldo said with a smile during a video call from Portugal’s training camp in Oeiras, near Lisbon. He made the remarks while participating in Saudi Arabia’s TOURISE tourism forum, according to Spain’s EFE news agency.
Cristiano on retirement: “Maybe in 10 years”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also laughed off any talk of imminent retirement. “Retiring soon? That’ll happen in 10 years. For me, that’s ‘soon,’” he joked. “People think when I say I’ll retire soon, it means six months or a year from now. I’m joking! When you reach a certain age, you start counting the months faster.”
Ronaldo and Portugal are currently closing in on qualification for the 2026 World Cup during November’s international window.
Ronaldo focused on new personal goal
CR7, who has scored eight goals in World Cup tournaments, needs at least one more win, against Ireland in Dublin or Armenia in Porto, to secure Portugal’s spot at the finals. Despite his age, he insists he’s feeling strong and motivated, continuing to score regularly for both Al Nassr and the national team.
Ronaldo recently extended his contract with Saudi club Al Nassr through 2027 and still has one major personal goal in mind: reaching 1,000 career goals.
“In football, I try to enjoy every goal,” he said. “As you know, I’m 40, and I just want to keep enjoying the moment and moving forward. My body feels good, I’m performing well, scoring goals, and helping the team. I want to keep winning titles. This is my life.”
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sawabinz
0
This world Cup is for Portugal mark my words.
it will end in tears for ronaldo but portugal will continue. ronaldo is nobody. sorry you don't like truth. hes zero!
sawabinz
1
fake human being. you'll grow old create an honorable legacy. no one will tell you this
sunglex
1
Portugal without Ronaldo They can win the world cup but if Ronaldo plays they won't win. Portugal teams are stronger without Ronaldo.
sunglex
1
he is enjoying tapin and penalty goals
Vaecimprst
0
At 40 he said wc is not his dream after that may be he will say football is not his dream we will never know
😂😂😂
Lekbenopsu
0
🐐
Sovoty
0
This world Cup is for Portugal mark my words.
You mean they are the one hosting it?
Chap Kim
0
Iffy106
3
He's waiting for Messi to retire
andreciro
6
At 40 he said wc is not his dream after that may be he will say football is not his dream we will never know
Edooo87
1
agree with him
Tocilostyz
1
FIFA give it to him like you give to Messi please 🤣
dominant-S
1
Who cares, we don't care about him at all
what do you mean by WE, talk for yourself. I care about that!
Yumbcnrstu
2
What’s brave about that? Brave is to quit for the sake of your country.
Boaadiosz
3
Who cares, we don't care about him at all
Yet you here commenting 😌😌.. How stupidity 🤣
ozubuluUdochukwucale
4
world cup loading I pray he will win it
Blinksclinton1997
3
This world Cup is for Portugal mark my words.
Teademnsy
4
Who cares, we don't care about him at all
Bright1Isaac
4
If not for the dream to win the world cup, 2022 would be your last Mr tap'in. Coz you're now more of matter that carry weight and occupy space all around 18yard box.
DeprtsecoChelsea
4
The Goat of them all Cr7. Let your haters cry and cry more. You're not like Fifa boy with undeserving awards and fixed world Cup winner. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Manbdmnpty
2
cf cc but CR7 in his recent interview said winning WC is not his dream why are you even going . If I was Portugal me coach I will not send him . As captain with this mind set
ExcelIbMo
3
Life is so ironical that Ronaldo still wants to play at a 7 game tournament. Envy is a very dangerous blindfold!
Yohabi1
1
Who knows you may finally kiss the world cup trophy before handing your boots? Keep on fighting and wish you the very best of luck.
El-Magnificool
2
I thought he will play till he starts using crutches to play and from crutches to wheelchair...
AFerzrSK9754
1
Biggest joker footballer of history
Tayeknpty
2
Is he using ur legs to play? Why are you worried? Is the beef that bad ?
veecmpsuz
0
lmao how is that brave? he’s holding portugal back at this point. the united issue where if ronaldo is in the team, the tactics become about giving him tap ins and that changes everything
Munbcdlty
0
Brave? If he thinks of continuing even after WC 26, he'll be making a bigger fool of himself than now 🤣🤣🤣🤣
he knows his time up so jus be cool.fool
wisbcemprt
0
Brave? If he thinks of continuing even after WC 26, he'll be making a bigger fool of himself than now 🤣🤣🤣🤣
wisbcemprt
1
Brave? What a joke. 😅😅😅