Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreak in Arlington, Texas, as Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the round of 16. The 41-year-old said he leaves the tournament with a “clear conscience” after giving everything for his country.
Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain at Dallas Stadium, also known as AT&T Stadium, on Monday night.
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, sending Spain into the quarterfinals and ending Portugal’s hopes against their Iberian rivals.
Ronaldo leaves World Cup in tears
After the final whistle, Ronaldo was visibly emotional as he wiped tears from his eyes and applauded the fans. He took one final look around the stadium before slowly walking toward the locker room with the captain’s armband in his hand.
Ronaldo is crying, this is beautiful 😭 pic.twitter.com/t3DuCm6BRB
— Hansi’s Barça 🇩🇪 (fan) (@Flickxball) July 6, 2026
Speaking to reporters, Ronaldo confirmed it was his final World Cup.
“I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this,” he said. “I gave it my all. I did my best, and I’m leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll now have time to reflect and be with my family. I won’t be making any rash decisions.”
Ronaldo avoids decision on Portugal future
Although Ronaldo confirmed his World Cup farewell, he did not say whether he had played his final match for Portugal.
“I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment,” he said, adding that he did not want a personal decision to overshadow Portugal’s campaign.
The Al-Nassr forward had already hinted before the match that this would be his last appearance at the global tournament, saying: “Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match.”
Legendary World Cup career ends
Ronaldo’s World Cup career ends with 27 appearances, the second most behind Lionel Messi’s 30, and 11 goals, tying him for ninth on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
He is the first and only player to score in six different World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
His penalty against Croatia in this tournament was his first knockout-stage World Cup goal and made him the oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match at 41 years and 147 days. Overall, only Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at 42 years and 39 days in 1994, is older among World Cup scorers.
Ronaldo leaves the World Cup stage without the one major trophy missing from his career. His deepest run came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semifinals before losing to France.
He helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
“He ganado tres títulos con Portugal. Antes de Cristiano, Portugal no había ganado nada.
— Sudanalytics (@sudanalytics_) July 6, 2026
El mayor título que gané en la Selección fue la Euro 2016. PARA MÍ, TIENE LA MISMA DIMENSIÓN QUE UN MUNDIAL”.
Cristiano Ronaldo. 😳🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/dBe8akbXCi
“I’ve given my all. I’ve won three titles with Portugal,” Ronaldo said. “Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title. The 2016 European Championship is, to be honest, just as significant to me as a World Cup.”
Ronaldo and Messi comparison
Ronaldo’s farewell also revived comparisons with Lionel Messi, whose World Cup record stands at 30 appearances and 20 goals as Argentina continue their title defence.
Ronaldo, Messi and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa have all played in six World Cups, but Ronaldo remains ahead in one major distinction: he scored in every edition he played, while Messi did not score in 2010.
A potential Ronaldo-Messi World Cup meeting had been possible if Portugal had topped their group instead of finishing behind Colombia and both teams had advanced. Ronaldo had described the possible showdown as “top” after scoring twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Martinez praises Ronaldo, leaves Portugal role
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on the pitch for the full 90 minutes against Spain, saying the team needed his presence while chasing a goal.
“When you’re a team and you need a goal, you can’t take Cristiano Ronaldo off,” Martinez said. “He can play 90 minutes, no problem. He’s a presence, he opens space, and anything in the box can happen.”
Martinez praised Ronaldo as an exemplary captain and an icon of football.
“He’s been a role model, not just with goals and assists, but with his commitment and how he experiences football,” he said. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos. We have to be thankful for what he did at this World Cup.”
Martinez also announced his departure as Portugal manager after the defeat, calling it the end of a cycle for the team.
Spain pay tribute to football icon
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón extended his World Cup record to 609 minutes without conceding a goal, while Ronaldo managed three attempts but could not find a breakthrough.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also paid tribute to Ronaldo after the match.
“I’m a great admirer of him, of his values, of what he stands for and how he approaches the sport,” he said. “I think he’s a role model for young people.”
What next for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo is expected to take time with his family before deciding whether to continue with Portugal. He is also expected to continue playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, where he recently won the league title.
For now, the curtain has fallen on one of the greatest World Cup careers in football history — emotional, unfinished, but unforgettable.
