Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar, has officially confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final international tournament. The 40-year-old forward announced during a Saudi forum that he expects to retire from international football “really soon,” with the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico marking the end of an extraordinary career. Ronaldo’s legacy in international football is unmatched, and his farewell tournament promises to be historic.
Ronaldo has featured in five previous World Cups, starting with the 2006 edition in Germany. In Qatar 2022, he became the first male player to score in five World Cups, a record he will aim to extend to six in the 2026 World Cup. With his 41st birthday approaching, Ronaldo is set to conclude his international journey while still performing at an elite level for Al-Nassr and Portugal.
The Portuguese captain remains central to his national team, having scored five goals in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Portugal currently leads Group F and a win over the Republic of Ireland would officially secure their place in the 2026 finals. Despite his age, Ronaldo continues to deliver remarkable performances, maintaining his reputation as one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history.
Career Overview and 2026 World Cup Prospects
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| National Team | Portugal |
| Current Club | Al-Nassr |
| Age | 40 (turning 41 in February 2026) |
| World Cup Appearances | 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) |
| 2026 World Cup | Confirmed as final international tournament |
| International Goals | 143 in 225 appearances (record) |
| Key Achievements | 5 Ballon d’Ors, 5 Champions League titles, Euro 2016 winner, UEFA Nations League 2019 & 2025 winner |
| Current Form | 9 goals in 8 matches for Al-Nassr; 5 goals in World Cup qualifying |
Ronaldo’s confirmation about the 2026 World Cup highlights his determination to leave the international stage at the peak of his abilities. He emphasized, “I feel very good at this moment; I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team, and all that stuff. When I say soon, it’s probably one or two more years in the game.”
While the World Cup trophy has eluded him, Ronaldo’s international career is decorated with milestones that few players can match. He led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and played a pivotal role in their UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. The 2026 World Cup will serve as the final stage to cement his legacy in the sport.
Achievements Leading to the 2026 World Cup
- First male footballer to score in five World Cups.
- 143 international goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football.
- Record-breaking career across multiple leagues and clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr.
- Aims to reach 1,000 career goals, with the 2026 World Cup offering an opportunity to add to this tally.
Ronaldo continues to play a vital role in Al-Nassr’s campaign, scoring nine goals in eight matches in the Saudi Pro League. He remains one of the most marketable and influential footballers globally, becoming the first footballer listed as a billionaire by Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index.
Ronaldo’s Message Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Speaking about his future, Ronaldo said, “Definitely, yes, the 2026 World Cup will be my last. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment. I’m enjoying the moments, but when I say soon, it’s really soon because I give everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years, and I’m really proud. Let’s enjoy the moment and live the moment.”
This farewell statement has set the stage for one of the most anticipated and emotional tournaments in recent football history. Fans, analysts, and fellow players are eagerly awaiting Ronaldo’s final performance on the world stage.
FAQs :
Will the 2026 World Cup be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last tournament?
Yes, Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance in international football.
How many World Cups has Ronaldo played in?
Ronaldo has participated in five World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. The 2026 edition will be his sixth.
What records does Ronaldo hold internationally?
He is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football with 143 goals in 225 appearances and the first male player to score in five World Cups.
Which clubs has Ronaldo played for?
Ronaldo’s club career includes Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr.
Is Ronaldo still performing at a high level?
Yes, Ronaldo continues to score consistently for Al-Nassr and Portugal, demonstrating remarkable fitness and goal-scoring ability.
When does the 2026 World Cup start?
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams.
