Ronaldo says World Cup career is over after Portugal's Spain defeat
Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 tournament was his last World Cup, but held off on deciding whether to retire from Portugal duty.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo said his World Cup career ended after Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of 16, but he did not announce an international retirement. The 41-year-old forward told reporters he would take time with his family before deciding whether he has played his last match for Portugal, Reuters reported.
Spain advanced at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Monday through a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino. Ronaldo said Spain had “a bit of luck” with the decisive goal in a match he believed could have gone either way, according to Reuters.
Ronaldo confirmed the tournament would be his last World Cup, saying he was sad to leave it in that manner but felt he had done all he could. He said he had given his best and was leaving with “a clear conscience,” while adding that he would not make a rushed decision on his future.
The defeat closed Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign. Reuters reported that he stopped short of saying whether the Spain match was also his final appearance for Portugal, saying he did not want his own decision to distract from the team’s tournament.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” Ronaldo told reporters.
Portugal exits as Martinez leaves
Portugal’s elimination was followed by Roberto Martinez’s departure as manager. Ronaldo praised the Spaniard, saying he had enjoyed working with him and thanking him for his work with the national team, Reuters reported.
Ronaldo said the loss was painful because Portugal had been improving during the tournament. He said the team played well in his view and should leave with pride despite the frustration of being knocked out of a World Cup.
The Al-Nassr forward also pointed to his record with Portugal. Ronaldo helped the national side win the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo told reporters he was proud of those achievements, saying Portugal had not won a senior title before his era with the team. He described the 2016 European Championship as Portugal’s biggest trophy and said it carried the same weight for him as a World Cup.
His next decision now centers on whether to continue with Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo gave no timetable for that call, saying only that he would reflect before making it.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.