Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, saying he will leave the tournament with no regrets as Portugal prepares to face Spain in the Round of 16 in Dallas on Monday. The 41-year-old forward, who is playing in a record sixth World Cup, made the announcement at the end of his press conference. He said he intends to end his trophy-filled career on his own terms.

The 41-year-old forward, who is playing in a record sixth World Cup, made the announcement at the end of his press conference. He said he intends to end his trophy-filled career on his own terms.

“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 before leaving the room to applause from journalists.

Earlier in the press conference, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had avoided confirming whether this would be his final World Cup.

Ronaldo would be 45 when the next tournament is played in 2030. He said he would finish when he chooses and did not want the focus to move away from Portugal’s match against Spain.

Ronaldo said he is at peace with whatever happens next and insisted he has nothing left to prove.

“Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Cristiano is going to be 1000% leaving with a clear conscience,” he said.

The Portugal captain explained that football remains his passion and that he continues to play because he loves the game and representing his national team. He said he has given everything he can to football and is not playing out of need.

Ronaldo also said he will not put unnecessary pressure on himself to win the tournament. He added that players must enjoy every match at a major competition like the World Cup and noted that he has scored three goals in the tournament so far.

The forward appeared relaxed and said he is enjoying the current World Cup more than his previous five. He also expressed confidence that Roberto Martinez’s Portugal side can beat Spain, who have improved as the tournament has progressed.

“If we didn’t have this belief we wouldn’t be here,” Ronaldo said.

He added that Portugal has improved with each match and knows it will face a difficult opponent. Ronaldo said the team is calm, well prepared and ready for the challenge, while also noting that several strong teams have already been eliminated from the competition.

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