41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match, ending his World Cup career with a mixed record. This was reported by “Glavkom,” citing ESPN.
The Portuguese national team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing to Spain in the round of 16 by a narrow 0–1 margin. Ronaldo suffered his eighth World Cup defeat for the first time in his career, tying the tournament’s anti-record.
Along with Ronaldo, Matthew Leckie (Australia), Son Heung-min (South Korea), Antonio Carbajal (Mexico), and Hong Myung-bo (South Korea).
After the match against Spain, Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. “I’m sad to end the tournament this way. I gave it my all and am leaving the tournament with a clear conscience. This was my last World Cup. Now it’s time to focus on my family and think about the future,” Ronaldo said.
At this World Cup, Ronaldo scored three goals: he scored twice in the match against Uzbekistan (5–0) and converted a penalty kick against Croatia (2–1). In total, he has played 27 matches in World Cups throughout his career, making his debut in 2006 when the team reached the semifinals—which remains Portugal’s best result with Cristiano on the roster. He has scored 11 goals, tying for ninth place among the tournament’s top scorers.
Although the next World Cup in 2030 will be co-hosted by Portugal and Spain, Ronaldo will no longer be participating in it.
