Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on the world's biggest football stage before retiring from professional football.
The Final Chapter: Ronaldo's Retirement Timeline
During a live video interview with CNN anchor Becky Anderson on Tuesday (Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Philippine time), Ronaldo confirmed his retirement plans from Portugal's training camp. The 39-year-old captain stated definitively that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, citing his age as the primary factor. "Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old," Ronaldo explained during the interview conducted for a tourism conference in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo provided clarity on his earlier comments about retiring "soon," specifying that this timeframe means "probably one, two years." Despite approaching the end of his remarkable career, the Portuguese icon remains in peak physical condition. He has scored five goals in just four qualifying matches, extending his men's world record to an incredible 143 international goals.
Portugal's Path to World Cup Qualification
Portugal stands on the verge of securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team requires only two points from their final group matches to guarantee qualification. Their crucial matches include an away game against Ireland on Thursday, November 13, followed by a home fixture against last-placed Armenia on Sunday, November 16.
Ronaldo expressed satisfaction with his current form, telling Anderson: "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." His performance in the qualifying matches demonstrates that he remains a vital asset to the Portuguese squad as they push toward World Cup qualification.
Historic Sixth World Cup Appearance
The 2026 tournament will see Ronaldo achieve a significant milestone alongside his long-time rival Lionel Messi. Both legends are set to appear in their record sixth World Cup, surpassing German legend Lothar Matthäus, who participated in five tournaments between 1982 and 1998.
Messi, who will turn 39 during the group stage in North America, will lead defending champion Argentina. The parallel careers of these two football icons continue to intersect, with both Portugal and Argentina scheduled to be among the co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, potentially providing a fitting stage for their final farewells from the tournament they have dominated for a generation.
Reflecting on his approaching retirement, Ronaldo shared: "I'm enjoying the moment. But when I mean soon, it's really soon, because I give everything for football. I'm in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything. I have many records. I'm really proud. So let's enjoy the moment, live the moment." His comments highlight both his pride in his accomplishments and his readiness to transition away from professional football after a quarter-century of excellence.
