World Cup news: Cristiano Ronaldo confirms international tournament retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo signaled that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament appearance, setting a late-career tone for Portugal’s push that begins with a Round of 16 meeting against Spain. The development follows Portugal’s victory over Croatia, where Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal by converting a penalty in the 68th minute to level the match. He was substituted in the 81st minute for Rúben Neves, a move that prompted discussion, including comments from FS1’s Nick Wright about Portugal’s tactical flexibility. Renowned reporter Fabrizio Romano posted on X that Ronaldo confirmed it will be his last World Cup, with Ronaldo saying, “Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it.” Earlier, Gonçalo Ramos scored a late winner at 94 minutes, then a VAR check disallowed Croatia’s apparent equalizer for offside, eliminating the “Vatreni.”