Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that the 2026 World Cup in North America will be his "last dance," confirming it as his final tournament appearance. The Portuguese star, born in 1985, is set to make his sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, a testament to his enduring career.

Ronaldo has already made history in this tournament by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups, netting three goals so far. He achieved this milestone with a brace against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia. While the term "last dance" has been associated with him since the 2022 Qatar World Cup, this is the first time he has explicitly called it his "last World Cup."

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This is my last World Cup, but I hope it's not my last game.

"People seem to want me to not come back," Ronaldo joked during a press conference ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 match against Spain. "One day, the day will come when I retire from the national team. But I will leave with my head held high, regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's game."

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One day, the day will come when I retire from the national team. But I will leave with my head held high, regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's game.

He expressed his commitment, stating, "I am confident that I have given 1000% not 100%. I have dedicated everything to football and life. I play not for money, but because I love the sport."

Despite his continued presence on the international stage, Ronaldo's form has seen a decline since moving to the Saudi Arabian league. Some critics even point to him as Portugal's biggest weakness. However, Ronaldo remains defiant. "For the past 23 years, people have tried to bring me down, but they must realize now that it was a waste of time," he said. "Some people like me, some don't. It's normal, and it's part of football."

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I am confident that I have given 1000% not 100%. I have dedicated everything to football and life. I play not for money, but because I love the sport.

He acknowledged, "I admit I'm not the same player I used to be. But I'm still scoring goals. If I can't score, another teammate will." The ultimate prize, a World Cup title, remains elusive for Ronaldo, especially with rival Lionel Messi having finally secured one in 2022. "Winning the World Cup wouldn't make me any stronger or weaker," Ronaldo said with a smile. "We have the ability to win, but only one team can win."

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For the past 23 years, people have tried to bring me down, but they must realize now that it was a waste of time.