Ronaldo Bids Farewell: 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last – 'It’s All About Passion'
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the end of his international career. The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the revelation in a candid press conference ahead of Portugal’s clash with Spain in Dallas, underscoring what has always driven him: pure passion for football.
“It’s about passion,” Ronaldo said, reflecting on a career that has now spanned six World Cup tournaments — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026. “That’s what keeps me going.”
His final campaign was nothing short of historic. On June 23, against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo struck twice in the group stage — becoming the first player ever to score in six different World Cups and the oldest man to net a brace in tournament history. That performance also took his tally to 10 goals across World Cups, making him Portugal’s all-time top scorer at the finals.
He added further drama in the Round of 32 against Croatia on July 2, converting a penalty — his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match. He finished the tournament with three goals in total, a modest number by his standards but one that carried immense weight given his age and longevity.
Ahead of the Spain showdown, Ronaldo admitted he hoped the game wouldn’t be his last. “I’d love to keep going,” he said with a smile. But fate had other plans. Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike sent Spain through, ending Portugal’s run — and, as it turns out, Ronaldo’s World Cup journey.
The veteran forward played a crucial role in Portugal’s qualification campaign, scoring five times during the 2026 qualifiers. Born February 5, 1985, Ronaldo has now competed at the World Cup across two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
As he steps away from the tournament, Ronaldo departs not just as a record-breaker, but as one of football’s defining figures. His legacy is etched in milestones that may never be matched — and his final message to the world remains simple: he played not for glory, not for numbers, but because he simply loves the game.