Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo entered his name in the history books on Thursday (Friday IST) by becoming the oldest outfield player to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match. Ronaldo, who is 41 years and 147 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.
Dzeko was 40 years and 106 days old when he started for Bosnia and Herzegovina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against the United States on Wednesday (Thursday IST).
Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest ever outfield player to appear in a knockout round
game at the FIFA World Cup.
41 years and 147 days old. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/V42vZNSdIu
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 2, 2026
41 – Cristiano Ronaldo é o primeiro jogador da história a disputar uma partida de mata-mata de Copa do Mundo aos 41 anos de idade.
Dedicação. pic.twitter.com/qGTKM5u5xN
— OptaJoao (@OptaJoao) July 2, 2026
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.
Ronaldo to retire after World Cup 2026?
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.
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.
Winner to face Spain in Round of 16
The winner of the Portugal vs Croatia Round of 32 clash in Toronto will face Spain in the Round of 16. The 2010 world champions sealed their place in the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in Los Angeles on Thursday (Friday IST).
Spain produced a dominant display against Austria, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a brace, while Tottenham Hotspur left-back Pedro Porro also found the net to complete a comfortable win.
