Ronaldo Confirms 2026 Will Be His Final World Cup, Reveals When He Plans to Retire from Football

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The Portuguese superstar, who will turn 41 next year, is set to make a record sixth appearance in the tournament.

Speaking via video link from Portugal’s national team camp to CNN presenter Becky Anderson during a tourism conference in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo said,
“Of course, it will be my last World Cup, because by then I’ll be 41.”

In recent interviews, Ronaldo had hinted that his playing career was nearing its end. This time, he was more direct:
“When I said ‘soon’, I meant within one or two years.”

The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal need just two more points from their final two qualifiers—against Ireland and Armenia—to secure their place, something Ronaldo believes the team will achieve comfortably.

So far, Ronaldo has scored five goals in four qualifying matches. His tally for the national team now stands at 143 goals—a world record in men’s football.

Despite speaking openly about retirement, Ronaldo insisted that he still enjoys the game immensely:
“I feel great right now. I’m scoring goals and still feel fast and agile. Playing for the national team continues to give me joy.”

Reflecting on the final stage of his illustrious career, he added:
“To be honest, when I say ‘soon’, I mean within one or two years. I’ve given everything to football. I’ve been playing for 25 years and achieved everything I set out to do. I have so many records, and they make me proud. Now, I just want to enjoy this final phase.”

Ronaldo and his long-time rival Lionel Messi are both set to feature in a record sixth World Cup in 2026.