Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last major tournament

I n a candid statement that shook the football world, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final major international tournament.

The Portuguese legend, now aged 40, announced his decision during a media appearance in Riyadh, stating that at 41 years old, the timing feels right to bring his storied international career to an end. According to sources, he may consider retirement from club football within a year or two.

Ronaldo's revelation follows his record-breaking 2025 campaign. After helping Portugal secure the UEFA Nations League title and scoring pivotal goals as the oldest player in a major international final, he entered conversations about prolonging his elite status.

His actual words - "I will play in one or two years, but the World Cup will be my last" - echoed across global sports media and left fans pondering the end of an era.

This announcement also underscores Ronaldo 's dual commitments: still active at Al Nassr until at least 2027, yet preparing to draw a curtain at the highest international level.

With Portugal already qualified for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada , the forward has shifted focus to making his final World Cup appearance meaningful.

Legacy farewell on the world stage

Ronaldo's trajectory has been unrivalled - five Ballon d'Or awards, five Champions League wins, over 900 senior career goals and a timeless impact on every team he touched.

His decision to retire after 2026 signals a transition phase, both personally and for the sport. Teammates, rivals and fans alike recognise the gravity.

The World Cup will not simply be a tournament; it will stand as a grand farewell tour, a tribute to a career built on ambition, athleticism and relentless pursuit of excellence.

For Portuguese football, the departure of their talisman from international duty will initiate a generational shift.

Leadership, goal-scoring and global influence once embodied by Ronaldo will now need to be distributed across emerging stars.

Ronaldo's immediate future will see him remain in Saudi Arabia until next summer's World Cup, where it will be his final attempt to land the biggest prize in football, aiming to emulate what Lionel Messi did with Argentina in Qatar.