Ronaldo says his last World Cup is over but Portugal decision to wait | World Cup 2026

The Portugal captain has admitted that his side’s last 16 clash with Spain was his last at the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup campaign has ended with Spain biting the tail, thanks to Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner. 1-0 round of 16 winbut he didn’t want to bid too quickly on his international future.

Ronaldo told reporters in the mixed media on Monday that Spain were “a little lucky” to score against Merino’s substitute in the dying moments of a game he felt could have gone either way.

He said: “I’m sad to leave the World Cup like this. I did my best and I’m leaving with a clear conscience.” My last World Cupyes, but now I will have time to meditate and be with my family. I don’t make rash decisions.”

The 41-year-old did not confirm whether he had played his last game for Portugal, saying he did not want to do anything that could derail the team’s campaign.

He said: “I don’t make decisions in the summer.”

Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016 as well as the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, said he was proud of what he had done for the national team.

“I have won three titles in Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo won, Portugal had never won a single championship,” he said.

“The biggest competition the national team won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is as important to me as the World Cup.”

Portugal’s exit also came with the departure of Roberto Martinez as manager, and Ronaldo had a good word for the Spaniard.

He said: “I loved working with him. “A great manager, a great person, and what he has done in Portugal should be appreciated. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness.

“It’s always sad to be kicked out in a big tournament, with the World Cup, the team is coming on its own, we played well in my opinion, it could have gone either way, but the ball, we have to pick ourselves up and continue.

“It’s disappointing to go out like this, but we can hold our heads high,” Al-Nassr added.