Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo: 'This will be my last World Cup' - ESPN

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that this will be his last World Cup, as he prepares to face Spain with Portugal in Monday's round of 16 clash in Arlington, Texas.

Ronaldo, 41, has played in six editions of the tournament — 2006, 2020, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026. He became the first player to score in six World Cups when he netted against Uzbekistan in the group stage.

The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco.

«It's about enjoying it as much as possible,» Ronaldo said toward the end of a prematch news conference Sunday. «This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game.»

«The day will come [when I retire from international football]. But I'll be honest. Whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I've given everything in football. I don't need it, I have a good life, but it's about passion. I play football because I love it… You have to enjoy every day. And I've scored three goals [at this World Cup], I'm not doing too badly, right?»

Ronaldo scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage, before netting a penalty against Croatia in the round of 32, his first goal in a World Cup knockout match.

«It's been fantastic,» he said, when asked about his experience at this tournament. «It goes beyond the pitch… This is the World Cup I'll remember the most, because of people's passion. It's even more this time, I don't know why. It's been, emotionally, the best. I've enjoyed it very much.»

Ronaldo — who won the 2016 European Championships with Portugal — insisted that he didn't need to win this World Cup to complete his CV.

«I'm not lacking anything in life,» he said. «I'm not going to be more, or less,