Cristiano Ronaldo responds with clarity after being asked whether 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last appearance at the tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final appearance at the tournament. The Portuguese superstar cited his age as the key reason he would not play in the 2030 edition.

Speaking to the media, Ronaldo said he is close to calling it time on his career, but will be playing for another two years. He has extended his contract at Al-Nassr until 2027 and believes it will be his final deal.

When asked about the FIFA World Cup and retirement, Ronaldo said:

“Definitely, yes. I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment. Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years, I’ll still be at the game."

Former Portugal coach Hugo Oliveira spoke to Ojogo earlier this year, claiming that the UEFA Nations League winners can win the World Cup next year. He said:

"[Ronaldo] is still hungry. He's hungry. He was a young lad [in 2010] and now he's the same. That mentality can be contagious in the Portuguese national team. Perhaps his last World Cup could be an incredible way for him to finish his international games for Portugal. I think we have a generation that has to fight for the competition. We are one of the top five teams that will fight to win the competition."

Cristiano Ronaldo's best finish at the World Cup remains the semifinal in 2006.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not dream about winning the FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to Piers Morgan earlier this month, revealing that winning the FIFA World Cup is not a dream for him. He admitted his career does not depend on winning the tournament and said:

"How many World Cups wins [did] Argentina [have] before Messi? How many? I don't know. Two times. I think. Yeah, but it's normal. These countries, they used to win big competitions. Brazil, if they win the World Cup, they will surprise the world. No, if Portugal wins the World Cup, which is possible, they will shock the world." "Yes. But in my mind, I don't thinking in that way. Of course, you want to win. Yeah. When you compete, you want to win. I'm not I'm honest. For me, I'm not going to change the way I see the things and the way I see the football."

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are close to sealing qualification this month. They face Ireland and Armenia in the final two qualifiers.

Edited by Sripad