Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he's playing his last World Cup, hopes to make it count

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his illustrious career, saying he wants to savour every moment of the tournament. The Portugal captain also expressed hope that his side's campaign against Spain will not be his final match.

In Short

• Ronaldo does not want talks of his future to affect their upcoming clash
• Portugal face Spain in the Round of 16, which could be his last game
• Ronaldo lashed out at the media as well for the nature of questions

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the last of his illustrious career, saying he wants to savour every moment of the tournament while hoping Portugal's journey does not end against Spain in the Round of 16.

Speaking ahead of Monday's knockout clash in Dallas, the Portugal captain put an end to speculation over his World Cup future by revealing that this would be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.

"It will be my last World Cup," Ronaldo said. "Hopefully tomorrow won't be my last match."

The 41-year-old added that his only focus now is to enjoy every day at the tournament and help Portugal progress deeper into the competition.

"To enjoy it as much as possible because it is the last World Cup. It will be my last World Cup. And to enjoy each day," he said.

RONALDO FIRES BACK

While Ronaldo looked relaxed while discussing the end of his World Cup journey, his combative side was never far away as he once again hit back at the criticism surrounding him.

After saying he hoped Portugal's campaign would continue, Ronaldo joked that the media would then have another opportunity to scrutinise him.

"That way you can keep killing me a little more," he said with a smile. "Trying to kill me."

The Portugal captain had earlier also taken a swipe at reporters after being asked whether he feared playing what could have been his final World Cup match.

"You really want me not to come back anymore, don't you? You don't want to see me here anymore," Ronaldo said before insisting he would leave football with no regrets.

"Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave here with a clear conscience. Not 100%—1,000%. I've given everything I had to football."

Ronaldo also stressed that he has never played the game for money or necessity.

"My passion, my desire to play all these years wasn't out of necessity. Thanks to God, I'm doing very well in life. I play because I love football," he said.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also dismissed suggestions that he has struggled at the tournament, pointing to his tally of three goals.

"I've already scored three goals. Others have scored more because they're playing very well, but I'm not doing badly."

SPAIN TEST

Portugal now face one of their toughest tests of the tournament against Spain, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Ronaldo acknowledged that Spain start as favourites because of their pedigree but believes knockout football often comes down to fine margins.

"Spain is always a contender to win. They have already won this competition. Spain is the favourite. They have more titles than Portugal, but this is a different competition with different players," he said.

The veteran forward also pointed to factors such as fatigue, injuries and the conditions before backing Portugal to rise to the occasion.

"I like playing against Spain. My record against them is quite good. It will be won on small details. I have this feeling we are going to win."

Should Portugal overcome Spain, Ronaldo's farewell World Cup journey will continue for at least one more match. If not, one of football's greatest careers will bring the curtain down on the biggest stage of them all.

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