DALLAS — Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he expects the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be the last of his career but stressed that he will decide the timing of his retirement, as the 41-year-old prepared to lead his country into a high-profile last-16 meeting with Spain.
Speaking at a news conference on Sunday ahead of Monday's knockout match, Ronaldo reflected on a career spanning six World Cup appearances while insisting his immediate focus remained on extending Portugal's tournament rather than discussing the end of his international career.
“Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match,” Ronaldo said, adding that he would leave the game with “a clear conscience” after giving everything to football. Reuters and other media present at the news conference reported that Ronaldo also reiterated he would retire “when I choose,” dismissing suggestions that others would determine the timing of his departure.
Ronaldo, who has scored three goals during the tournament, said he had enjoyed this World Cup more than his previous five appearances and believed Portugal had the quality to continue its campaign despite facing one of the competition's strongest teams.
“If we didn't have this belief, we wouldn't be here,” he said. “The team is well, calm and well prepared.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has consistently backed his veteran captain throughout the tournament, previously describing the knockout rounds as “a second World Cup” and praising Ronaldo's professionalism and leadership despite questions over his age and playing time.
The match against Spain carries added significance for Ronaldo, who spent nine seasons with Real Madrid and remains one of the most decorated players in the history of Spanish football. He acknowledged Spain's pedigree, calling the European side one of the favorites while expressing confidence Portugal could prevail in a contest likely to be decided by fine margins.
If selected, Ronaldo will make the 233rd appearance of his international career, extending his record as Portugal's most-capped player. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward is also the first player to appear in six men's World Cups.
Portugal and Spain meet in the last 16 with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. Ronaldo said his priority was helping Portugal advance, adding that he hoped the upcoming match would not be the final World Cup appearance of his career.
