Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on the global stage, as he prepares to conclude one of the most illustrious careers in football history.
The 40-year-old forward, who has scored more than 950 goals for club and country, said he plans to retire from professional football within “one or two years.”
“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo said via video link at a Saudi forum on Tuesday, when asked if the 2026 tournament would be his World Cup farewell. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”
Ronaldo, who joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2023, added further context to remarks made last week in which he hinted at an imminent retirement. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he said.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is aiming to appear in his sixth World Cup next year. His closest attempt at winning the title came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France.
Portugal have yet to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but can book their place with a win over Ireland on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in late 2022, following his departure from Manchester United, paved the way for a wave of high-profile players to join Saudi clubs. The oil-rich nation, investing heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, was named host of the 2034 World Cup last December.
