Cristiano Ronaldo makes it clear whether he will play the 2026 World Cup
July 8, 2024
2026 World Cup. Have football fans seen the last of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal shirt? The team’s departure from Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage has had many wondering if Ronaldo would hang up his boots at the international stage after the tournament.
Ronaldo didn’t look at his best the entire tournament and even failed to register a single goal or assist before the team’s exit. However, a report has claimed that Ronaldo isn’t willing to quit international football just yet. In fact, he is determined to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bring the trophy home.
Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 campaign was dull and he didn’t do much to help the squad win. Portugal was on the verge of elimination when Ronaldo missed a penalty, but goalie Diogo Costa saved the team and helped them advance to the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The team struggled in front of goal even in the quarterfinal match against France, which led to another penalty shootout in which Les Bleus prevailed.
However, according to a story in Relevo, Ronaldo’s troubles are not yet done. Ronaldo is reportedly targeting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. He actually hopes to make history by being the first player to participate in and score in six editions of the premier championship.
Ronaldo entered the 2024 European Championship fresh off a successful season with Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, when he scored 50 goals across all competitions; nonetheless, his play was ineffective in helping Portugal score goals.
Ronaldo acknowledged after Portugal defeated Slovenia in the quarterfinals that this would be his final European Championship.
“Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football gives you. These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I had to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but during the year I didn’t miss a single time and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it. The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, the team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end and if you analyse the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances,” he said.
However, the legendary football player has not yet given a definite statement about his future on the international scene.