Despite a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, we might not have seen the last of Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage just yet. The 39-year-old’s current deal with Al Nassr is set to expire in the summer of 2025, which is one year short of the World Cup. However, as expected, Ronaldo will either sign an extension with Al Nassr or make a shock return to Sporting Lisbon, the club who “CR7” made his professional debut for. Whichever of the two happens, it will keep Ronaldo playing for at least 1 more year, allowing him to wrap things up nicely at the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But just how likely is it that Ronaldo will be wearing the iconic red and green Portugal kit when 2026 rolls around? Let’s take a look.
Will Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup? Yes — it’s likely
Reportedly, Cristiano Ronaldo is intent on playing the 2026 World Cup, as this will provide him with a final opportunity at winning the one major trophy that’s eluded him his entire career. Another factor at play here is that Lionel Messi famously won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, leaving Ronaldo with a burning desire to try and add a World Cup to his trophy cabinet and finally settle the “GOAT” debate. Whether or not this will happen will become clear towards the end of the 2024/25 season, when Ronaldo will have to sign a contract extension with Al Nassr or find a new club (which will more than likely be Sporting Lisbon). If Ronaldo does decide to keep playing for one more year, it’s a certainty that he’ll be at the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, although it will likely be a reduced playing role.
Another huge reason why Ronaldo is likely to be at the 2026 World Cup is because of manager Roberto Martinez, who is contracted to stay with Portugal until 2026. Martinez still sees Ronaldo as a key figure in the Portugal international team and started him in all 5 games at Euro 2024, despite some criticism. Just recently, Martinez went on record to say that “no individual decisions” had been made regarding Ronaldo’s future after Euro 2024, but all signs point to Ronaldo staying on for a couple more years under Martinez. The only potential obstacle here would be if Martinez was removed from his position and a new manager with different ideas took over as Portugal manager.
When will Ronaldo retire?
It’s not officially known when Ronaldo will retire. However, as predicted by Gamble USA, Ronaldo will play in the 2026 World Cup and the current retirement odds by sportsbooks reflect this. He also has an ambition to reach 1000 career goals, which would likely require him to play beyond the 2026 World Cup. With this in mind, don’t be surprised if you see “CR7” push his career all the way to 2027, whether it’s with Al Nassr, a European club, or even a team in the MLS.
How old will Ronaldo be at the 2026 World Cup?
If Ronaldo is called up by Portugal to appear at the 2026 World Cup, he’ll be 41 years old. This would make him the fourth oldest player to ever appear at a World Cup, following Essam El-Hadary (45), Faryd Mondragón (43), and Roger Milla (42). By this time, Ronaldo may have to adopt his game even further and he won’t be able to press as highly as he used to. Over the past few seasons alone, Ronaldo has already started to reduce his pressing in order to conserve energy and stay in games for longer. Whatever happens, it would be an incredible achievement for Ronaldo to make the 2026 World Cup as a 41-year-old — and winning it would provide him with the perfect way to retire.
Conclusion
5-time Ballon d’Or winner and Portugal legend Crisitano Ronaldo will almost certainly be at the 2026 World Cup, providing there are no shock retirement decisions beforehand. This is great news for all the “CR7” fans out there, who can look forward to the footballing icon sticking around for at least a couple more years yet. And with a potential return to European football on the cards, too, the journey isn’t over yet.
