Cristiano Ronaldo is set to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026. The major development was revealed by Ronaldo’s sister ahead of Portugal’s Round of 32 clash against Croatia.
Portugal are taking on Croatia in their first knockout match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto, and according to Ronaldo’s sister, Katia, the tournament in North America will mark the end of the legendary forward’s international career.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon. The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his LAST DANCE,” Ronaldo’s sister told SportTV.
🚨 BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo to retire from international football with Portugal after the World Cup, his sister Katia says.
“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s
ending soon. The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his LAST DANCE”, told SportTV. pic.twitter.com/3WbtZgEHrH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2026
RONALDO TO RETIRE FROM NATIONAL TEAM AFTER WORLD CUP. “IT WILL BE HIS LAST DANCE”
Katia Aveiro: Based on the information I have, people can start preparing to say goodbye. So make the most of it. I don’t believe today will be the day you say goodbye, but it’s getting close. pic.twitter.com/mlcEsXfOtv
— Finance Football ⚽️💶 (@FinanceFootball) July 2, 2026
Ronaldo, who is the only footballer in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions, could bring the curtain down on his international career as early as Thursday (Friday IST) if Portugal lose to Croatia in the Round of 32.
Ronaldo oldest to play in FIFA World Cup knockout match
Ronaldo entered his name in the history books on Thursday by becoming the oldest outfield player to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. Ronaldo, who is 41 years and 149 days old, was named in Portugal’s starting XI for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against Croatia.
Before Ronaldo, the record for being the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup knockout match was held by Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Eden Dzeko.
Ronaldo has scored two goals in three matches for Portugal at this year’s FIFA World Cup. If he finds the net against Croatia, he will break his former Portugal teammate Pepe’s record of being the oldest player to score in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Pepe was 39 years and 283 days old when he scored for Portugal in their FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16 victory over Switzerland.
