- - Cristiano Ronaldo says 2026 World Cup will 'definitely' be his last with Portugal

Sean Leahy November 12, 2025 at 1:11 AM

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Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Tuesday that the 2026 World Cup will be his last with Portugal.

Appearing at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo, who turns 41 in February, said he's ready to "enjoy" and "live" the moment — with the moment being next June's World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

"Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment, and in a big competition," Ronaldo said, via CNN.

"As I told you before, I am enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it's really soon because I give everything for football, I'm in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything, I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national team — I'm really proud.

"So let's enjoy the moment and live the moment."

Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time men's leading international goal scorer with 143 goals. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) (Image Photo Agency via Getty Images)

Ronaldo, who is the men's all-time leading goalscorer in international soccer history with 143 goals, has played in five World Cups dating back to 2006 and will likely be a part of a sixth Portugal squad with the country atop its qualifying group with a five-point lead and two matches to play.

Portugal placed fourth in its first World Cup with Ronaldo in 2006 and has since reached the Round of 16 twice and exited in the group stage in 2014 and most recently the quarterfinals during the 2022 tournament.

While the World Cup trophy has eluded Ronaldo, he did help Portugal win the 2016 Euros with three goals in seven matches.

As his international career winds down, Ronaldo continues on the club level, but not for much longer, he said. After telling Piers Morgan that he would retire "soon" in a recent interview, he said Tuesday "when I mean 'soon' it's probably one, two years I'll still be in the game."

Ronaldo signed a two-year extension in June to remain with Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia.

The beefed-up 48-team World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico City. The group stage draw will take place in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5.

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Source: “AOL Sports”