Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed his intention to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, explicitly stating that it will mark his final appearance in the prestigious global tournament. This declaration sets the stage for what is expected to be his sixth World Cup campaign, a remarkable feat that underscores his enduring commitment to the sport at the highest level.
The upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see Ronaldo, who will be 41 years old at the time, once again lead his national team onto the world stage. His participation extends his legendary career further, captivating fans globally.
Currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, Ronaldo has also reiterated his broader plans for retirement, indicating he expects to conclude his professional football career within the next one to two years. Concurrently, the prolific goal-scorer is actively pursuing a monumental career milestone: reaching 1,000 professional goals. With an impressive tally of 953 goals to date, he remains on course to potentially become the first player in history to achieve this extraordinary feat, adding another layer of anticipation to his final years in the game.
The 2026 tournament is also poised to be historically significant for another reason. Reports suggest that Ronaldo’s long-standing rival, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, is also preparing to make his sixth and likely final World Cup appearance. Should both legendary players feature, they would jointly set a new record for the most World Cup appearances by individual players, marking a poetic parallel in their iconic careers as they potentially conclude their international journeys together.
Ronaldo’s definitive confirmation came during an interview at the TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When directly asked if the 2026 World Cup would indeed be his last, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, widely recognized as football’s first billionaire player, responded unequivocally.
“Absolutely!” Ronaldo affirmed. “I will be 41 years old, and I believe it will be a special moment for me to participate in such a big global event.”
This renewed assertion by the 39-year-old forward has brought clarity and reassurance to countless fans following earlier speculations about his imminent retirement. His commitment to playing for at least another year or two, culminating in a final World Cup appearance, provides a clear timeline for supporters to witness his final chapter on the grandest stage before he ultimately decides to conclude his illustrious career.
