Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, as the Portuguese captain prepares to become the first player to feature in six World Cups.

Despite accepting that retirement is near, the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward has joked that he could continue playing for another decade.

Final World Cup for Portugal’s icon

Speaking at a tourism event in Riyadh, Ronaldo said next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico would likely be his last with Portugal.

“Yes, for sure, I will be 41 years old and I think that will be the time. I’m enjoying this moment,” he said.

Ronaldo, who led Portugal to Euro 2016 and Nations League 2019 titles, intends to keep playing club football beyond the World Cup, having signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr in 2025.

Still scoring and chasing records

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has started the 2025/26 season strongly, scoring 10 goals in 11 matches to keep Al-Nassr top of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo remains focused on reaching his personal goal of 1,000 career goals and adding more trophies to his collection in the Middle East.

Future with Cristiano Jr. and retirement talks

The veteran striker has also addressed speculation about playing alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., who is developing in Al-Nassr’s academy and Portugal’s youth teams.

Ronaldo says he wants his son to build his own career, not live in his shadow.

He also clarified his comments about retirement, saying his definition of “soon” differs from most people’s.

“When I say soon, people think six months or a year. I mean another year or two,” he joked.