Ronaldo Names 2026 World Cup as Final Tournament

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football icon, announced on Tuesday that the 2026 World Cup will mark his final appearance on the global stage before retiring from the sport in one or two years. The 40-year-old forward, speaking via video link from Riyadh at a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment, clarified recent comments about stepping away soon to focus on family time after a career spanning more than two decades.

Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 goals for clubs and country since his debut as a teenager with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, holds the record for most international goals with 143. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he has collected nearly every major trophy except the World Cup, where Portugal's closest run came in 2006 with a semifinal loss to France. "Definitely, yes," Ronaldo said when asked if 2026 would be his swansong. "I'm gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment." He added, "What I mean by soon is probably one or two years," emphasizing his current enjoyment of the game. "I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team."

The announcement comes as Ronaldo...