Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward made the announcement during a media session held in Dallas ahead of Portugal’s round of 16 match against rival Spain. Ronaldo emphasized his desire to enjoy the competition fully and acknowledged the possibility that the match against Spain could mark the end of his World Cup career.

Ronaldo, who currently holds the record for the most international goals with 146, spoke candidly about his career and the significance of this tournament. Reflecting on his longevity in the sport, he said he has adapted his playing style to accommodate his age, though he remains confident in his ability to score. “Nothing has changed because I can still score a goal,” Ronaldo said. “I hope I do that tomorrow, and if I don’t, I hope others on the team do.” He described the World Cup experience as enriched by the connections with people, sharing moments with fans and staff, including a lighthearted recount of an encounter with an Argentine flight attendant during travel.

While Ronaldo acknowledged the hopes shared by him and his team to win the tournament, he recognized the challenging nature of the competition, stating, “Only one is going to win.” He resisted the notion that his legacy is dependent on securing a World Cup victory, telling reporters, “I’m not going to be more Cristiano or less Cristiano because I win the World Cup.”

The upcoming match against Spain is a high-profile encounter between two historic rivals. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente highlighted Ronaldo’s enduring threat, noting his “talent,” “class,” and ability to be decisive at any moment. Portugal has ambitions to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup, with their best performance during Ronaldo’s era being a semifinal run in 2006.

Ronaldo’s World Cup history includes several memorable milestones, such as becoming the oldest player to score a hat trick at the age of 33 during a thrilling 3-3 group stage draw with Spain in 2018. In this tournament, he has already scored three goals, contributing to Portugal’s advance from the round of 32 with a key equalizer against Croatia.

The ongoing comparison with Lionel Messi remains a talking point, with Messi having won the World Cup and leading the current tournament’s Golden Boot race. Ronaldo downplayed these comparisons, asserting that his value and identity as a player are not defined solely by tournament success.

As Portugal prepares for the decisive knockout round match, Ronaldo’s confirmation adds a poignant dimension to what could be the final chapter of his World Cup journey, highlighting his storied career and lasting impact on international football.