Is the 2026 World Cup Really Ronaldo's Final Bow?

Cristiano Ronaldo, the record-holder for the most caps in men's international football with 225 for Portugal, has announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his last. The 40-year-old striker, who has netted 953 goals for club and country, stated that he will retire from football within "one or two years." Next year's World Cup, hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines once again as he confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his swan song on the international stage. This declaration comes amidst his ongoing career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he continues to showcase his extraordinary talent. With the World Cup just around the corner, the spotlight is now on Portugal's chances of qualifying, particularly with a crucial match against Ireland on Thursday. The outcome of this game could solidify their position in the tournament, making Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance a reality.

Key takeaways

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 World Cup will be his last.
He plans to retire from football within the next one to two years.
Ronaldo has scored 953 goals for club and country and is the all-time leading men's international goalscorer with 143.
Portugal must beat Ireland to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The World Cup will be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Timeline: how we got here

Ronaldo's journey to this announcement has been marked by several key milestones:

Euro 2016: Ronaldo helped Portugal secure their first major international trophy.
October 2023: Ronaldo confirms that the 2026 World Cup will be his last.
Upcoming Match (12 October 2023): Portugal vs. Ireland, crucial for World Cup qualification.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Ronaldo's recent comments regarding his retirement and the confirmation of the 2026 World Cup being his last have generated significant media attention. This announcement provides clarity about his future in international football and his timeline for retirement.

What was already established

It has long been known that Ronaldo is nearing the end of his illustrious career. His record-setting achievements, including being the all-time leading international goalscorer, have been recognised globally, and his contributions to club football remain unmatched.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Ronaldo's announcement may engage football fans in the UK, particularly those interested in the World Cup and its implications for Portugal's national team. Many fans will be keen to watch Ronaldo's final international matches, driving viewership and excitement around the tournament.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, especially those in hospitality and retail, may see an uptick in sales as fans gather to watch the matches. Increased tourism for the World Cup could also benefit several UK businesses, particularly in the context of fan travel to the tournament's host cities.

Policy and regulation

The UK government may look into facilitating travel and accommodation for fans attending the World Cup. Additionally, discussions may arise around funding and support for grassroots football initiatives inspired by high-profile events.

Numbers that matter

225: The number of international caps held by Ronaldo, the most in men's football history.
953: Total career goals scored by Ronaldo for club and country.
143: Goals scored for Portugal, making him the all-time leading international goalscorer.
6: The number of World Cups Ronaldo will have participated in if Portugal qualifies for 2026.
41: Ronaldo's age at the time of the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Definitions and jargon buster

Caps: A term used to denote appearances made by a player in international matches.
Ballon d'Or: An annual football award presented to the best male player in the world.
International goalscorer: A player who scores goals while representing their national team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch for the outcome of Portugal's match against Ireland on 12 October 2023, which will be crucial for their World Cup qualification.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the World Cup approaches, fans should keep an eye on Portugal's squad selections, Ronaldo's performance in club football, and how the team prepares for the tournament.

Signals to watch

Portugal's qualification status for the World Cup.
Ronaldo's health and performance leading up to the tournament.
Fan engagement and ticket sales for the World Cup matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Portugal's matches closely as they approach the World Cup.
Engage with local businesses that will be hosting viewing events for the World Cup.
Consider planning travel to the tournament if Portugal qualifies.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the significance of Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
Don’t ignore the potential economic impact of the tournament on local businesses.
Don’t miss out on opportunities to participate in viewing events and fan gatherings.

Checklist

Check the schedule for Portugal's upcoming matches.
Stay updated on Ronaldo's health and performance.
Follow news regarding ticket sales and travel arrangements for the World Cup.
Engage with local fan communities and events.
Plan any travel in advance if Portugal qualifies.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As Ronaldo's career nears its end, uncertainties remain regarding his fitness and form leading into the World Cup. Additionally, Portugal's qualification is not guaranteed, and matches against tough opponents could impact their chances. Fans should remain cautious and mindful of these variables as the tournament approaches.

Bottom line

Cristiano Ronaldo's confirmation that the 2026 World Cup will be his last marks a significant moment in football history. As fans eagerly await the tournament, the focus will be on Portugal's qualification and how Ronaldo's legacy will be celebrated during his final international appearances.

FAQs

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which he stated will be his last.

How many goals has Ronaldo scored in international football?

Ronaldo has scored 143 goals for Portugal, making him the leading international goalscorer in men's football.

What age will Ronaldo be during the 2026 World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 years old during the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.