13 November 2025
Icon and legend of the beautiful game, Cristiano Ronaldo, has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his last World Cup in an interview with CNN.
Anchor Becky Anderson asked Ronaldo, “How soon is soon?” regarding his retirement from football, and in response, he playfully replied, “In 10 years,” but when answering seriously, he stated, “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one to two years I’ll still be in the game.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player is expected to start for Portugal in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland, and he will be looking to add to his all-time goal tally of 953 goals for club and country.
Ronaldo currently holds the record for the first player in history to have scored in five different World Cup tournaments, with the possibility of extending the record to six at next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Surrounding Ronaldo’s World Cup involvement, Anderson followed up on the Portuguese’s answer with, “So you expect this World Cup to be your last. Do you?” Ronaldo said, “Definitely yes,” as he shed light on the fact that he “will be 41 years old”, showing that his age will be the determining factor.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won three major trophies with Portugal: the UEFA Euros 2016 and two UEFA Nations Leagues 2019 and 2025. However, he is yet to win the FIFA World Cup with his nation, with the final opportunity to do so being next year.
All that is needed for Portugal to secure qualification is a win tonight against Ireland in the WC qualifier match, so that Ronaldo can set his eyes on World Cup glory.
Source: CNN
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