Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last: CR7’s Final Tournament
Cristiano Ronaldo just ended years of speculation: the 2026 World Cup will be his last.
Speaking at the TOURISE tourism forum in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the 40-year-old Portugal captain made it official. After two decades representing his country on football’s biggest stage, CR7 is preparing for one final World Cup run.
“Yes, that’s true. I’ll be 41, and in a competition of that magnitude…I don’t know,” Ronaldo said when asked directly if 2026 would mark the end. “As I’ve always said, I’m enjoying the moment.”
From Germany 2006 to North America 2026: A 20-Year Journey
Ronaldo’s World Cup story began in Germany in 2006. He was 21, fresh-faced, and already showing glimpses of greatness. Now, two decades later, he’ll close that chapter in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
That’s six World Cup tournaments across 20 years. Only a handful of players in history have competed at that level for that long.
The “Retirement Soon” Joke That Sent the Internet Into Panic
Recently, Ronaldo casually mentioned he’d retire “soon.” Naturally, the football world lost its mind.
But at the forum, he set the record straight—with a laugh.
“I said ‘soon’, but for me that means ten years. People think it means six months or a year. I’m joking!”
Classic Ronaldo. Even his jokes make headlines.
Age is Just a Number (Until It Isn’t)
Despite the humor, Ronaldo acknowledged that hitting 40 changes your perspective.
“When you reach a certain age, you start counting the months quickly,” he admitted.
But he’s not slowing down. At least not yet.
“My body feels good. With the national team, I score goals, and I help the team. I want to win titles. That’s my life,” he said.
Currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo’s still scoring regularly and showing no signs of decline in his hunger for success.
Chasing 1,000 Goals Before He’s Done
Ronaldo’s still got business to finish before hanging up his boots. He’s chasing the legendary milestone of 1,000 official career goals.
As of now, he’s already broken nearly every scoring record imaginable. But 1,000? That would be the ultimate capstone to an unmatched career.
“In football, I try to enjoy scoring goals. As you know, I’m 40, so I try to enjoy the moment and keep going,” he said.
Translation: He’s not done yet. Not even close.
What 2026 World Cup Means for Portugal
For Portugal, having Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup is massive—even at 41.
His leadership, experience, and ability to deliver in big moments are irreplaceable. Portugal’s young talents like Rafael Leão, João Félix, and others will benefit enormously from having CR7 in the squad for one last ride.
But there’s pressure too. Ronaldo’s never won a World Cup. It’s the one trophy that’s eluded him throughout his legendary career. 2026 represents his final shot at football immortality.
Can he do it? That’s the billion-dollar question.
Still Committed to Al-Nassr and Portugal
Despite being 40 and playing in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo made it clear: he’s not coasting.
“I want to win titles,” he stated emphatically.
At Al-Nassr, he’s helping build Saudi football’s profile while earning a massive contract. For Portugal, he’s still the captain and still delivering goals when it matters.
His commitment hasn’t wavered. If anything, knowing 2026 is his last World Cup might push him even harder.
The Legacy He’ll Leave Behind
When Ronaldo finally walks off the World Cup stage in 2026, he’ll leave behind a legacy unmatched in modern football:
- Five World Cup appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
- Multiple Champions League titles
- Five Ballon d’Or awards
- Euro 2016 champion with Portugal
- All-time international top scorer
- Approaching 1,000 career goals
Whether he wins the World Cup or not, his place in history is secure. But you know Ronaldo—he wants that trophy.
What Happens After 2026?
Ronaldo’s made it clear: he’s not retiring from football entirely after the World Cup. Just from World Cups.
He could continue playing club football, especially if his body holds up and he’s still enjoying it. His Al-Nassr contract runs for a while longer, and he’s shown zero signs of wanting to stop.
International football? That’s the real question. Will he retire from Portugal duty after 2026, or keep going for another year or two?
Knowing Ronaldo, he’ll play as long as he can still contribute.
The Bottom Line
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last.
At 41 years old, he’ll represent Portugal in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, closing a 20-year World Cup journey that began in Germany in 2006.
Despite joking about retirement being “ten years away,” Ronaldo acknowledged his age while insisting his body feels great and he’s still scoring goals for both Al-Nassr and Portugal.
His mission remains clear: chase the 1,000-goal milestone, win more titles, and get one last shot at the World Cup trophy that’s eluded him.
For football fans worldwide, 2026 will be bittersweet. We’ll witness greatness one final time on the World Cup stage. After that? The tournament won’t be the same without CR7.