Football
-Gaurav Sharma
Cristiano Ronaldo Retirement: Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football after Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in Dallas to end his World Cup dream in the knockout stages. Ahead of the match, Ronaldo had confirmed that FIFA 2026 would be his last dance, and the Portugal captain exited the tournament after a gripping contest decided by the finest of margins.
Spain went through to the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner, with Portugal unable to find a reply in a match where the Spanish created the better chances throughout. Diogo Costa kept Portugal alive until the very end, but the late goal settled a tense tie.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his international football career following Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup knockout stage loss to Spain in Dallas, concluding his final tournament appearance which he had previously stated would be the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before the match, Ronaldo had made it clear that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. After Spain’s victory, that chapter is now closed, with the Portugal icon bringing an end to his international career on the biggest stage.
Spain end Ronaldo’s World Cup dream
Full Time: Portugal 0-1 Spain
It’s over in Dallas.
Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner was enough to send Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals after a gripping contest decided by the finest of margins. Spain created the better chances throughout, while Diogo Costa kept Portugal in the tie until the very end.
Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign had already carried extra attention after he confirmed it would be his last dance. But with Portugal falling short against Spain, the tournament came to a painful close for the 41-year-old forward and his team.
Portugal captain bows out after final World Cup
Ronaldo had made it clear before kickoff that he would not go beyond this World Cup. The defeat against Spain now marks the end of his international journey, closing the book on a career that stretched across multiple generations of football.
For Portugal, the result ends a difficult night in which they were second best for long stretches. For Ronaldo, it means an emotional farewell after one last appearance at the tournament he had already identified as his final one.
Spain, meanwhile, move on with confidence after another controlled performance in a high-pressure knockout match. Portugal leave the competition knowing they were edged out by a late decisive moment, with Ronaldo’s international era now officially over.
