Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his international career, bringing the curtain down on one of football’s most illustrious eras.
Speaking via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, the 40-year-old Portuguese captain said the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would “definitely” be his last World Cup appearance, while also indicating he plans to retire from professional football within the next two years.
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who joined Al Nassr in 2023, expanded on his recent comments about retiring “soon,” clarifying that he expects to remain in the game for “one or two more years.”
“Let’s be honest,” he added. “When I say soon, I mean probably one or two years I’ll still be playing.”
Ronaldo has scored over 950 goals across club and international competitions, cementing his place as one of the most prolific scorers in football history. The 2026 World Cup will be his sixth appearance at the tournament — a record for an outfield player — after making his debut in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals before losing to France.
Despite his extraordinary achievements, the World Cup trophy remains the one major honour to have eluded him. Portugal, however, can secure qualification for next year’s edition with a victory over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in late 2022, following his second departure from Manchester United, marked a new phase in his career. The transfer also paved the way for a wave of high-profile players to join the Saudi Pro League, as part of the country’s broader strategy to elevate its sporting profile and diversify its economy.
Saudi Arabia, which has invested heavily in football and entertainment, was officially confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup last December.
As Ronaldo approaches the twilight of his career, the 2026 World Cup appears poised to serve as both a farewell on the global stage and the final chapter of a journey that has redefined modern football excellence.
