Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Farewell

The son of Portuguese parents and the football icon Cristiano Ronaldo officially stated that the FIFA world cup in 2026 will be the last of his international career – closing one of the most astonishing chapters in football history. Appearing at a Saudi gathering through video conferencing, the 40-year old captain told that he would be retiring to the game within a year or two.

The 2026 world cup, definitely yes, replied Ronaldo when question whether it will be his last world cup or not. I will be 41 and I believe it will be the time.

Playing now at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo stressed that he loved football but did not deny the necessity to learn when to take a break. Soon means, when I say soon, one or two years. I shall not miss being in the game, said he.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has plans to play in six world cups making him the first player to play in six world cups. His best opportunity of being a winner was in 2006 when Portugal made it to the semifinals and lost to France.

Portugal need but one victory to secure a spot on the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted in USA, Canada and Mexico. Ronaldo has also recently set another record when he became the highest goalscorer in the world cup qualifiers with 41 goals and overtaking Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala.

Over the past week, Ronaldo confessed in an emotional interview that it would be exceedingly hard to say goodbye to the football. He is a leading figure in the emerging football culture in Saudi Arabia having joined Al Nassr in 2023.