Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final FIFA World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Portugal fell 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16. The 41-year-old soccer icon departed the pitch at AT&T Stadium in Texas with visible emotion, acknowledging the crowd in what marked his last World Cup match.
Ronaldo had previously stated that the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup, having debuted in 2006. His participation across six World Cups places him in an elite category, matching Lionel Messi's record for the most men's World Cup appearances.
Mikel Merino's late second-half goal secured Spain's place in the quarterfinals and ended Ronaldo's World Cup campaign. Despite his storied career, a World Cup title eluded him.
During his pre-match remarks, Ronaldo had expressed a hope that the game wouldn't be his last. He managed to score in each of the six World Cups he participated in, and nearly added to his tally in the 37th minute with a dangerous shot that forced a diving save from Spain's Unai Simón.
Ronaldo has not yet indicated if he will retire from international football altogether. He remains Portugal's all-time leader in international goals with 146 and appearances with 233. "The day will come [when I retire from international football]," he said on Sunday. "But I’ll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100 percent, but 1000 percent. Because I’ve given everything in football."
He added, "I don’t need it, I have a good life, but it’s about passion. I play football because I love it … You have to enjoy every day. And I’ve scored three goals [at this World Cup], I’m not doing too badly, right?"
Ronaldo currently plays club soccer for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, having joined the club in December 2023. The next FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, will take place when Ronaldo is 45 years old.
