Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last as Portugal gear up to face Spain in the round of 16.
Rumours, from Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro, suggested Ronaldo was set to retire from international football after the World Cup, which Ronaldo has now confirmed.
The 41-year-old again had his place in Portugal's starting XI questioned after the 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their opener, but Ronaldo responded against Uzbekistan with two goals.
Portugal's all-time record goalscorer scored his first ever goal in the knockout rounds of the World Cup when netting from the penalty spot against Croatia before cutting a frustrated figure when being subbed off late on.
Despite Portugal going behind in the second half, Goncalo Ramos rose to head home a stoppage-time winner to book a date with Spain on Monday evening.
There had been speculation that the evergreen striker might even be able to play on until 45 while still scoring goals for the national team, but Ronaldo has seemingly recognised age has finally caught up with him.
"I want to enjoy it as much as possible, because it will be my last World Cup," Ronaldo said in a pre-match press conference.
"But I hope that tomorrow won't be my last game in the World Cup.
"I’m not the player I was before, but… I keep scoring goals. And I hope to score tomorrow.
“If I can’t score, it will be another teammate to score and we hope to go to the next round. The mission is to advance, not for me to score."
Ronaldo is 6/5 to score or assist against Spain on Monday, and Spain are 1/2 to go through, with Portugal 6/4 to prolong Ronaldo's World Cup farewell.
Odds in the article above correct at time of publishing and subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
