Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will mark his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The Portuguese superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, revealed that the tournament in North America will serve as his farewell to international football.
Speaking in an interview, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner made it clear that the 2026 World Cup, where he will be 41 years old, feels like the right moment to bring his illustrious international journey to a close. The announcement signals the end of an era for Portugal and global football fans alike, as Ronaldo prepares for what could be the most emotional campaign of his career.
His participation in the 2026 edition will mark a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, placing him alongside his longtime rival Lionel Messi in the history books. The competition, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will now carry even greater significance as Ronaldo’s potential final bow on the global stage.
If he finds the back of the net in the tournament, Ronaldo will make history yet again—becoming the first player ever to score in six different World Cups. Beyond the World Cup, the Al Nassr forward also hinted that his professional football career may come to an end within the next “one or two years,” signaling that retirement is on the horizon.
With over 950 career goals for club and country, Ronaldo’s legacy in football is unmatched. Yet, despite his extensive trophy cabinet, one major honor still eludes him—the FIFA World Cup. As 2026 approaches, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what could be Ronaldo’s grand finale, a final opportunity to witness one of the sport’s most iconic figures chase the last dream of his glittering career.
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