Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his iconic international career. The 40-year-old forward revealed during a Saudi forum on Tuesday that the upcoming edition will “definitely” be his final World Cup appearance, signalling the closing chapter of one of football’s most remarkable careers.
If he features in the 2026 tournament, it would be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup. Notably, it could extend his record as the only male player to have scored in five editions. The expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest in history. It kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the group-stage draw scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
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“Definitely, yes,” Cristiano Ronaldo said when asked if 2026 World Cup would be his last. He added, “I’ll be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.” Ronaldo also admitted that his overall retirement from professional football will come “soon” as he said,
“I’m really enjoying the moment. Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years, I’ll still be at the game.”
Currently leading Portugal’s charge in World Cup qualification, Ronaldo remains central to Roberto Martinez’s plans. Portugal top Group F in the European qualifiers and a win over the Republic of Ireland on November 13 would officially book their place in the 2026 finals. Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Ronaldo continues to deliver for both club and country. CR7 has scored five goals in this qualifying campaign and nine goals in eight matches for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season.
Earlier this year, the Portuguese legend also became the first footballer to be listed as a billionaire by Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. Whether or not he finally gets his hands on the coveted World Cup trophy, Ronaldo’s farewell tournament promises to be one of the most emotional stories of 2026.
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