Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his last tournament. Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain, he said he hoped it would not be his final game.
He was asked about retirement and said he would finish when he chooses. He did not want to draw attention to it before the match. He said he would leave with a clear conscience regardless of what happens.
Ronaldo said he had given everything to football and it was his passion. He said he did not play out of need but out of love for the game.
He had faced criticism for Portugal’s performances in the group stage. He scored three goals, including a double against Uzbekistan. He became the first player to score in six different World Cups.
His penalty against Croatia made him the second-oldest World Cup goalscorer in history. He is also the oldest player to appear in the knockout stages.
Ronaldo holds Portugal’s records for most appearances and most goals. He has 146 goals in 232 caps.
Spain Knock Out Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Ends in Defeat
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Mikel Merino scored the only goal in stoppage time.
The match was underwhelming and lacked quality. Ronaldo was the only Portuguese player to get a shot on goal against Spain. Spain’s defensive structure held firm. They became the first team in World Cup history to register six consecutive clean sheets.
Ronaldo was emotional at the final whistle. It was his last World Cup appearance. Roberto Martínez stepped down as Portugal coach after the match. He said he came to win the World Cup and there was no point in continuing without winning.
Spain will face the winner of USA vs Belgium in the quarter-finals. It is their first quarter-final appearance since winning the World Cup in 2010.
Key moments included Ronaldo’s penalty claim being turned down. Diogo Costa also made two saves to deny Spain early on. Ronaldo’s chance was saved by Unai Simón. Bruno Fernandes hit the side-netting with a good opportunity.
Martínez said it was his last game and he was proud of his time with Portugal. Ronaldo had confirmed before the match that the tournament would be his last World Cup. He finishes with 11 World Cup goals, tied for ninth on the all-time list.
Ronaldo Bows Out as World Cup Dream Ends With Portugal Exit
Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain. The 41-year-old bowed out in tears, with the World Cup trophy remaining the one prize that always slipped through his grasp.
His World Cup record includes 27 appearances and 11 goals. His only knockout-stage goal came in this tournament against Croatia. His deepest run came in 2006 when Portugal reached the semi-finals.
Ronaldo had confirmed before the match that this would be his last World Cup. He left a press conference to applause from journalists on Sunday, insisting he had no regrets.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez praised Ronaldo as an icon of the sport. He said they would always be grateful for what he tried to do. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said he admired Ronaldo’s values and described him as a role model.
The match was billed as a clash between Ronaldo and the new generation. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes but could not create a decisive opening. Spain won through a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino.
Messi won the World Cup in 2022 while Ronaldo’s runs repeatedly ended in frustration. There was a possibility of a quarter-final meeting between them. But Portugal’s failure to top their group ended that prospect.
For a player who conquered nearly every other challenge, the sense of what might have been will accompany Ronaldo’s World Cup farewell.
FAQs.
Q. Who eliminated Portugal from the 2026 World Cup?
A. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0.
Q. How many World Cup goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score?
A. Ronaldo finished with 11 World Cup goals.
Q. Did Cristiano Ronaldo say the World Cup would be his last?
A. Yes, Ronaldo confirmed it would be his final World Cup.
Q. What record did Spain set against Portugal?
A. Spain became the first team to keep six straight World Cup clean sheets.
Q. How did Cristiano Ronaldo react after the match?
A. Ronaldo left the field in tears after the defeat.
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