Ronaldo: 'This will be my last World Cup'
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- Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed at Sunday's prematch news conference that this will be his last World Cup, ahead of Portugal's round-of-16 clash with Spain on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
- Ronaldo, 41, has played in six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) and became the first player to score in six World Cups after netting against Uzbekistan in the group stage.
- Ronaldo has scored three goals at this tournament—two against Uzbekistan and a penalty against Croatia in the round of 32, his first World Cup knockout goal.
- Ronaldo, who won the 2016 European Championships with Portugal, said he doesn't need a World Cup title to complete his CV and called this tournament "the best" emotionally.
- Ronaldo praised Spain's 18-year-old Lamine Yamal as "a player with a big future" while emphasizing he sees Spain as a complete team.
- The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco—the tournament Ronaldo will not feature in.
Why it matters: At 41, Ronaldo is making his exit on his own terms while already holding the record as the only player to score in six World Cups, with three goals at this tournament. Monday's knockout against Spain becomes the last chance to see him on a World Cup pitch, with Portugal's 2030 co-hosting role meaning his home country's tournament will open without him.
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