Cristiano Ronaldo ends World Cup career after Portugal's defeat to Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, ending the 41-year-old forward's hopes of lifting football's biggest prize.

Spain secured victory through a stoppage-time goal by Mikel Merino in the 91st minute, eliminating Portugal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo finished the match with two attempts on goal but was unable to score.

The Portuguese captain concluded his World Cup career with 26 appearances and 11 goals, becoming the first player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament — 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

During the 2026 tournament, Ronaldo scored three goals, including a brace that made him one of the oldest players to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. He also ended his World Cup knockout-stage goal drought by converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32.

Despite missing out on the World Cup trophy, Ronaldo leaves international football with an extensive list of achievements. He has scored 146 goals in 232 appearances for Portugal and helped his country win UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles.