Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last as Portugal loses to Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup appearance. Portugal were eliminated by Spain 1‑0 in the round‑of‑16 in Dallas, Texas, with Mikel Merino scoring the injury‑time winner. Ronaldo spoke about his future and personal plans after the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his last World Cup appearance. Portugal faced Spain in a round‑of‑16 match of the tournament held in Dallas, Texas, and lost 1‑0.
Mikel Merino scored the injury‑time winning goal for Spain. After the match, Ronaldo said he would not make rash decisions about his future after the World Cup and that he would consider his international future later.
Ronaldo said he will have time to be with his family after the World Cup, according to Al Arabiya. He also stated that the biggest title he won with the national team was the 2016 European Championship, and that he would leave the World Cup stage with a clear conscience, both reported by Al Arabiya. Al Jazeera quoted him saying, "I will finish when I choose," and SportsMole.co.uk noted that he will consider his international future after the World Cup.
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