Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last International Tournament, Citing Age and Final Farewell
Portugal Captain Puts Retirement Timeline at “One or Two Years” While Chasing a Record Sixth World Cup Appearance
RIYADH/LISBON: Portugal captain and football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the definitive end of his illustrious international career.
Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, the 40-year-old forward, who has scored over 950 goals for club and country, addressed his looming retirement with a mixture of finality and excitement for one last major tournament.
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if the 2026 edition would be his final World Cup. “I’m gonna be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is hoping to feature in a record sixth World Cup next year. His closest attempt to lifting the coveted trophy came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, also elaborated on his recent remarks about retiring “soon,” setting a clear timeline for his departure from the professional game.
“Let’s be honest, when I say soon, it’s probably one or two years. I’ll still be in the game,” he added.
The Al Nassr star recently extended his contract with the Saudi club until 2027, a deal that reportedly earns him €200 million per year. His move has made him a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s growing football scene, a nation that was confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup last December.
Ronaldo is currently the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history (41 goals) and holds the record for most international goals scored (143 for Portugal). He recently admitted in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan that retirement would be “very, very difficult” and would likely bring him to tears.
Portugal, which is currently on the verge of qualification, can secure their spot for the 2026 tournament with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo, ranked by Forbes as the world’s highest-paid footballer with an estimated total earning of $280 million, is determined to make one final run at the only major senior title missing from his trophy cabinet.
