Cristiano Ronaldo's Potential Retirement from Portugal National Team After 2026 World Cup
The Round of 16 match against Spain marked Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance. Will the superstar completely retire from international football?
In the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal, led by star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, faced Spain on Monday, July 6th. Despite CR7 and his teammates winning the Nations League final against the Iberians last summer, Spain entered the match as favorites and lived up to that role. Spain secured a 1-0 victory with a late goal from Mikel Merino, sending Portugal home.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo retire now after the World Cup exit and end his career with the national team? SPOX provides all the information.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Potential Retirement from Portugal: Will CR7 Retire After the 2026 World Cup?
It is certain that Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in another World Cup match after 2026. The 41-year-old confirmed this when asked about his future plans at a press conference on Sunday.
"This will be my last World Cup, but hopefully, tomorrow won't be my last game," Ronaldo stated, emphasizing that he wanted to enjoy the current World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada even more. However, against Spain, he was unable to ensure that the World Cup would continue for him and his teammates.
Whether his final World Cup match will also mark the end of Ronaldo's national team career is still entirely open. The Al-Nassr forward has not commented on this recently.
While CR7 will not be in Portugal's squad for the 2030 World Cup, it is reportedly not out of the question that Ronaldo might continue to play for his country until Euro 2028. Ronaldo had declared during the 2024 European Championship in Germany: "It is undoubtedly my last European Championship." However, with Cristiano, one never knows. For the upcoming European Championship in two years in Great Britain and Ireland, the multiple-time World Player of the Year would be 43 years old.
Should Ronaldo continue with the national team after the World Cup, the Nations League would be the next step. Portugal will face Wales at the start of the competition in late September, with Norway and Denmark being other opponents.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Future with Portugal: Retirement After 2026 World Cup? Club Career and Broadcast Information
The fact is that the World Cup exit definitely does not mean the complete end of Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career. After all, he extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027 last year. CR7 will therefore remain involved in football for at least one more year. Whether he wishes to play beyond that is uncertain.
The highly anticipated match between Spain and Portugal was broadcast live on two different channels in Germany.
A subscription was required for MagentaTV to watch Portugal vs. Spain live. However, the appearance of Ronaldo and Co. against Yamal and Co. could also be watched live on free-to-air television. ZDF showed the match available for free on television and in a free livestream.
Portugal vs. Spain at the 2026 World Cup: Broadcast Overview
- Date: Monday, July 6th, 9 PM
- Live Free-to-Air Broadcast: ZDF
- Live Pay-TV Broadcast: MagentaTV
Cristiano Ronaldo's Career End with Portugal: Will CR7 Retire After the 2026 World Cup? CR7 at World Cup and European Championship Finals
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup History:
| Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 World Cup in Germany | 6 | 1 | 4th Place |
| 2010 World Cup in South Africa | 4 | 1 | Round of 16 |
| 2014 World Cup in Brazil | 3 | 1 | Group Stage |
| 2018 World Cup in Russia | 4 | 4 | Round of 16 |
| 2022 World Cup in Qatar | 5 | 1 | Quarter-finals |
| 2026 World Cup in USA / Mexico / Canada | 5 | 3 | Round of 16 |
Cristiano Ronaldo's European Championship History:
| Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro 2004 in Portugal | 6 | 2 | Runners-up |
| Euro 2008 in Switzerland / Austria | 3 | 1 | Quarter-finals |
| Euro 2012 in Poland / Ukraine | 5 | 3 | Semi-finals |
| Euro 2016 in France | 7 | 3 | Champions |
| Euro 2021 | 4 | 5 | Round of 16 |
| Euro 2024 in Germany | 5 | 0 | Quarter-finals |
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