Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his illustrious international career. The Portuguese superstar, currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, will turn 41 during the tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will be Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup, capping off a career that has defined football for nearly two decades.
Portugal has not yet secured qualification for the 2026 tournament, but a win over Ireland in their upcoming qualifying match would seal their spot. Ronaldo will be chasing the one major title missing from his collection, having come closest in 2006 when Portugal fell to France in the semifinals.
After legendary stints at Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023, becoming the face of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project under the Vision 2030 plan. Despite criticism over sportswashing, Ronaldo remains focused on his game and milestones, including his all-time record as the leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals, and his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
With the World Cup on the horizon, fans around the world are preparing to witness the final international chapter of one of football’s greatest icons.
