What did Ronaldo say about 2026 being his last World Cup?

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Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Final Tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his illustrious career. He stated his intention to retire from World Cup participation after the upcoming tournament, while also expressing hope that his journey with the team would not end with the next match. Ronaldo's remarks came ahead of Portugal's round of 16 tie against Spain.
Acknowledging the End of an Era

Ronaldo explicitly told reporters that the 2026 World Cup would mark the conclusion of his World Cup appearances. He coupled this announcement with a forward-looking statement, hoping that his next game would not be his final outing for the national team. This sentiment underscores his continued dedication to playing for Portugal beyond the tournament itself.
Reflecting on Personal Performance

The Portuguese captain reflected positively on his performance in the current World Cup, noting his achievement of scoring three goals so far. He has been a consistent scorer across multiple World Cups, having found the net in six consecutive tournaments since his debut in 2006, and holds the record as the first player to score in six straight editions. His goal tally in World Cups stands at 11.
Autonomy Over Retirement Decisions

When questioned about retirement, Ronaldo asserted that the decision would solely be his to make. He emphasized his enduring importance to the national team, regardless of whether he is actively playing. He reiterated a long-standing declaration that he would retire when he personally decided, not when external factors dictated.
Commitment and Legacy

Ronaldo expressed a profound sense of fulfillment regarding his contributions to football, stating he would leave with a "1000 per cent" clear conscience. He has amassed a record 232 appearances for Portugal, scoring a national record of 146 international goals. His leadership was instrumental in Portugal's historic Euro 2016 victory and their subsequent triumphs in the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

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What did Ronaldo say about 2026 being his last World Cup?

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