Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in defeat on Monday after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16, closing another chapter in the 41-year-old forward’s long international career.
Spain advanced after Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time in Arlington, Texas, sending Portugal out of the tournament and ending Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup campaign.
Ronaldo confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last World Cup. After the defeat, he said he was disappointed but would not make an immediate decision on his wider international future.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” Ronaldo said after the match. “I gave it my all. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Ronaldo stopped short of saying whether he had played his final game for Portugal. “I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said.
The result also ended Roberto Martinez’s time as Portugal manager. Martinez said after the match that his contract had expired and that there was no reason to continue after failing to win the World Cup.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most decorated player, having helped the national team win the 2016 European Championship and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. He said he was proud of what he had contributed to the country’s football history.
“I’ve won three titles for Portugal, before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.
The defeat to Spain means Ronaldo leaves the World Cup without the one major trophy missing from his career. Whether it also marks the end of his Portugal career remains undecided.
