Cristiano Ronaldo makes final decision on 2026 World Cup

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked discussions about his decision regarding the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the end of his illustrious international football career.

This major decision by the 40-year-old forward will bring to an end a historic journey for the Al-Nassr attacker, who will be 41 years old next year.

Ronaldo, who has registered a staggering 953 career goals, also revealed that he would retire from football in “one or two years”.

Ronaldo is still Portugal’s first-choice striker and is set to compete at a record sixth straight World Cup next summer.

Before that, he is expected to help the Seleção das Quinas beat the Republic of Ireland on Thursday to clinch World Cup qualification before he can officially make himself available for the tournament.

There is no doubt that Portugal is highly expected to qualify for next year’s tournament by beating the Republic of Ireland in two days.

Speaking via video call at the Riyadh World Tourism summit, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was asked whether the 2026 World Cup would be his last dance at the tournament.

“Definitely, yes,” Ronaldo replied. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

Ronaldo, however, threw more light on comments he made last week in an interview with renowned journalist Piers Morgan that he would retire soon.

“When I mean soon, it’s, I’m going back in the days and tell you – I’m really enjoying the moment right now,” Ronaldo added.

“As you know, in football when you reach some age you count the months very quick. So, the moment is good, as I tell you before I feel very good in this moment, I score goals. I still feel quick and sharp.

“I’m enjoying my game in the national team and Al Nassr, but of course, let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one, two years, I’ll still be at the game.”

Asked how he will deal with the reality of hanging up his boots in the future, Ronaldo said: “It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes.”

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar has been unable to guide Portugal beyond the semi-final stage of the World Cup.

Since his World Cup debut in 2006, it’s widely believed his international career will only be complete with a World Cup triumph—a milestone made even more significant after his fierce rival, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, lifted the trophy in 2022.

Many believed Ronaldo had missed his opportunity to land the prestigious trophy when Portugal were knocked out at the quarter-final stage in Qatar by Morocco.

His goalscoring ability and team contribution have never been in doubt when playing for Portugal. His goals have given Roberto Martinez no reason to overlook him over anyone else, with Ronaldo scoring 25 goals in 29 games under his tenure.

Ronaldo has won the European Championship and Nations League with Portugal – all that’s missing for him is the World Cup. (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Portugal winning the Nations League for the second time when they beat Spain in the final in June.

Before Ronaldo’s emergence on the football scene for Portugal, the Seleção had won zero European trophies, given the numerous talents at their disposal.

In October, Ronaldo became the highest scorer(41) in the history of World Cup qualifying when he scored twice against Hungary.

The global football icon, Ronaldo, is already the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 and remains just 47 strikes short of reaching 1,000 career goals.