According to the Spanish network "Relivo," Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo plans to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he will be 41 years old. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, for the first time in history across three countries simultaneously: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ronaldo had previously stated that his international football career might end after the UEFA European Championship "Euro 2024" in Germany, but it seems he has changed his mind. The veteran star is preparing with the Portugal national team for the 17th edition of the UEFA Euro Football Championship "Euro 2024," facing the Czech Republic tomorrow, Tuesday, in the opening match of Group F, which also includes Turkey and Georgia.
Radio "La Cadena Cope" reported that Ronaldo, the forward for Saudi club Al Nassr, informed club officials that he hopes to extend his contract until 2027 to enable his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The radio indicated that the all-time top scorer for the Portugal national team informed his club and national team about his long-term goals and ambitions, so no one would assume his retirement is imminent. Ronaldo, who has played 207 international matches and scored 130 goals for his country, still appears eager to achieve more records and collective titles. He was keen to express his ambition to play in the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo hopes to break more records during "Euro 2024," which will be his 11th major tournament, including the record for the most appearances in the continental tournament (6), while aiming to increase his record for the most goals in finals (14). The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus forward is now just five goals away from reaching 900 goals for clubs and country, a record yet to be achieved.
