World Cup 2026

Al-Nassr and Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that next year’s World Cup will "definitely" be his last. In an interview with CNN, Ronaldo, who will be playing at his sixth World Cup finals, added that he intends to retire from the sport “really soon.” “I’m enjoying the moment, but when I mean soon, it’s really soon because I gave everything for football. I’m in the game for the last 25 years… I have many records in the different scenarios in the clubs and also in the national teams. I’m really proud, so let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment,” said Ronaldo. Ronaldo became the first male player to score at five World Cups in Qatar in 2022; however, he is yet to win the famous trophy. The 41-year-old won the European Championships in 2016 with Portugal, as well as capturing Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025. Ronaldo’s 143 international goals are not only a record for his country but are also the most goals scored by any player in international football history. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to feature 48 teams for the first time, with the draw set for December 5 in Washington, D.C.