Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career finally over after Portugal’s exit

The Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career finally came to an end after Portugal lost to Spain and was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026. Portuguese team lost their Round of 16 match against Spain 0-1 in Dallas on Tuesday, ending the hopes of winning their maiden World Cup. 

Ronaldo went goalless in his final World Cup match, while Mikel Merino scored the solitary and decisive goal for Spain in stoppage time. Following the final whistle, he looked very emotional, unable to control his tears. Some of his Portugal teammates consoled him while the crowd cheered the footballer in Dallas. 

Ronaldo had already made it clear during the pre-match press conference that he was playing his final World Cup, and unfortunately, the match against Spain turned out to be his last World Cup match appearance. Although Ronaldo clarified in a press conference that this was his final World Cup, many fans believe he has already played his last international match. However, CR7 has not yet announced his total retirement from professional soccer and the Portugal national team. It will be interesting to see whether or not Ronaldo takes the field in the Portugal jersey again.

The Spanish team won and advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Belgium.

CR7 played a total of 232 international matches in his international career and scored 146 goals. He played 6 World Cups for Portugal (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 & 2026), scoring 11 goals in 27 matches. However, unfortunately, he never led Portugal to a FIFA World Cup win. He is counted among the few great superstars of football and has millions of fans all over the world. He was celebrated as a football icon, and his footballing style spoke volumes, with his tricks and dribbles putting the opposition’s defence to shame. Her fitness is cited as an example worldwide, and many junior athletes consider her their role model.

Cristiano Ronaldo won five Ballon d'Or honours, five UEFA Champions League titles, and more than 900 career goals during his 24-year professional career. He made his senior international debut for Portugal on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan. Ronaldo holds the all-time men's record for international goals with 146 goals in 232 appearances for Portugal. He has also played for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Al-Nassr, and Juventus, like legendary clubs. So far, he has scored 976 official career goals in 1,326 competitive matches for club and country. After his last World Cup game, fans are paying tribute to him on social media and are thanking him for his performance. He will be remembered as one of the finest talents who never won a World Cup.