FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo drops his retirement bombshell before Portugal vs Spain match

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal football icon, has announced that the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his last World Cup. Ahead of Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain, during the pre-match press conference Portugal skipper arrived, where he was asked about his future plans. In response, he confirmed that the FIFA WC 2026 will be his last WC. 

"I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup, yes. But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup," Ronaldo said. 

He dismissed the persistent questions about retirement and clarified that his sole focus right now is on helping his team. He made it clear that he would retire when he himself wanted to, not because someone else wanted him to.

"I'm always committed, body and soul, to helping the National Team. Whether I'm playing or not, I'll always have an important role," he continued.

"I'll finish, when I want to, not when you want me to. It's a waste of time to keep asking that question. But I don't want to draw attention to that. The most important thing is tomorrow," he added.

Furthermore, He stated that the Portugal team has come here with just one objective: winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy.

“If we didn't have the idea that we could win the World Cup, we wouldn't be here. It's been a beautiful experience. We've improved game by game," he said.

"We know it's a competition where it's impossible to play well in every game, and it's not easy for anyone; just look at who's already been eliminated. I see the team as calm; we've trained well, we've prepared well," said Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played in five FIFA World Cups so far (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), and this marks his sixth appearance; however, he is still awaiting his first World Cup title. Regarded as one of the greatest football icons of the modern era, he is determined to win the World Cup this time around—though it certainly won't be easy. He has already scored three goals in this tournament, including his first-ever goal in the knockout stage against Croatia. In the group stage, Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 but had to settle for draws against DR Congo and Colombia, ultimately finishing as group runners-up. Subsequently, the team secured a spot in the Round of 16 by defeating Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling match, setting up a clash against the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions, Spain.