Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Was His Last, Reflects on Portugal Exit

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup was his final appearance in the tournament following Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16. Speaking after the match held overnight between July 6 and 7, Ronaldo expressed sadness over the elimination but emphasized he gave his all and has a clear conscience. "Spain got a bit lucky to score at the last moment, but that's football," he said, describing the game as balanced overall.

Ronaldo acknowledged the emotional difficulty of being knocked out but accepted it as part of a footballer's life, where wins and losses come with the territory. He confirmed this World Cup would be his last but said he would take time to consider his future carefully, consulting with his family before making any decisions. When asked how he would face the next day, he replied that he would do so with a clear conscience, proud of his efforts.

Reflecting on his career, Ronaldo highlighted his three major titles with Portugal, particularly the 2016 European Championship, which he values as highly as a World Cup victory. He concluded by stating he leaves the World Cup stage with no regrets and is ready to move forward, emphasizing that life goes on after football.