Cristiano Ronaldo Plans 2026 World Cup Farewell at 41/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last, as he expects to retire “soon” at age 41. The Portuguese icon remains in top form, helping his national team close in on qualification. His appearance in 2026 will be a record sixth World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Final World Cup at 41: Retirement Nears
- Ronaldo says “definitely” no World Cup appearances after 2026
- Veteran striker feels sharp, continues scoring in qualifiers
- Portugal needs just two points to clinch 2026 berth
- Ronaldo holds world record for most international goals by a man
- He and Messi poised for a historic sixth World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo Plans 2026 World Cup Farewell at 41
Deep Look
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed Tuesday that he plans to end his World Cup journey after the 2026 tournament, which would mark a record sixth appearance at the age of 41. Speaking from Portugal’s training camp in a video interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson during a tourism event in Saudi Arabia, the legendary forward said his next appearance will be “definitely” his last on the sport’s biggest stage.
“Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old,” Ronaldo said with a smile, noting that his retirement from international competition is approaching. “Let’s be honest, when I say ‘soon,’ I mean probably one or two years.”
Ronaldo remains in top form, having scored five goals in four World Cup qualifying matches this cycle. That brought his all-time international total to 143 — the most goals scored by a man in national team history. Despite his age, the Portuguese captain emphasized that he feels physically strong and mentally focused.
“I feel very good at this moment,” he said. “I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I’m enjoying my game in the national team.”
Portugal is all but guaranteed a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The national team needs just two points from its final group games — Thursday’s match against Ireland and Sunday’s home game against Armenia — to secure qualification.
Ronaldo reflected on his long, decorated career, which has spanned more than two decades. “I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything. I have many records. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup will not only mark Ronaldo’s final tournament but also a historic moment in the sport. Both he and Argentina’s Lionel Messi will make their sixth appearances, breaking the previous record held by Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who played in five tournaments from 1982 to 1998.
Messi, who turns 39 during the group stage of the North American-hosted World Cup, enters the tournament as the reigning champion with Argentina. While both players are in the twilight of their careers, their influence and presence remain immense on and off the field.
Looking further ahead, both Portugal and Argentina are slated to be co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup. However, by then, both Ronaldo and Messi will almost certainly have stepped away from the pitch, likely marking the end of a golden era in football defined by their rivalry and brilliance.
As the global football community prepares to say farewell to two of the game’s greatest icons, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be not only a battle for the title — but also a celebration of legacies.
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