Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that his run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is his last competing at the tournament.
Ronaldo played out the entire duration of Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Iberian rival Spain in the round of 16 clash played at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
In a largely boring close game that had very few chances created, Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino stepped off the bench to score the late winner off a brilliant move involving captain Rodri and fellow substitute Ferran Torres.
After crashing out of his sixth World Cup, Ronaldo was in tears as he walked off the pitch and described the exit as disappointing in a post-game presser.
“I’m sad to leave the World Cup this way.”
“As I said yesterday, I gave it my all, and I leave with a clear conscience. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to move forward.”
“It was my last World Cup, yes. But as for the rest, there’s time to think, to be with my family, and not say things in the heat of the moment” Ronaldo said.
