Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he is playing his last World Cup and hopes it counts

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career and said he wants to enjoy every moment of the tournament as Portugal prepares to face Spain in the round of 16.

The Portugal captain said ahead of the knockout clash that he hoped the game would not be his last at the World Cup.

“It will be my last World Cup,” Ronaldo said. “I hope tomorrow will not be my last match.

The 41-year-old added that he wants to enjoy every day and make the most of his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.

Ronaldo also joked about the criticism he faced, telling reporters that if Portugal continued they could “kill me some more”.

Portugal will look to secure a place in the quarter-finals when they take on Spain in one of the biggest games of the round of 16.

(more to follow)

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

06 Jul 2026 01:26 IST