Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance in the tournament. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward made the announcement ahead of Portugal’s round-of-16 match against Spain, scheduled for Monday.

Ronaldo’s participation in the 2026 event marks his sixth World Cup, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. During the group stage of this year’s tournament, he extended his own record by becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups, netting a goal against Uzbekistan.

The Portuguese captain has had an illustrious international career, and his farewell on the World Cup stage underscores a significant milestone both personally and in the history of international football. His emergence as a consistent goal scorer across multiple tournaments highlights his longevity and impact on the sport.

Portugal’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup continues with their upcoming encounter against Spain, a match that will now also serve as a closing chapter for Ronaldo’s World Cup journey.