Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance at the FIFA World Cup concluded on July 6, 2026, as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in a tense round-of-16 match held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, United States. The decisive goal came in stoppage time from Spanish substitute Mikel Merino, who broke the deadlock against Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo expressed sadness at the exit, stating, “I’m sad to be leaving the World Cup like this. I gave it my all.” He reflected on his international career with pride, highlighting his role in Portugal's victories in the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. “I’ve won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn’t won a single title,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Ronaldo refrained from making an immediate decision about his future with the national team. He remarked that Spain had “a bit of luck” scoring late in a match he felt could have gone either way.

Meanwhile, the tournament saw controversy surrounding disciplinary decisions. USMNT striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play after FIFA changed his red card to a suspension, a disciplinary action similar to one that allowed Ronaldo to participate in this World Cup. This decision, upheld after Belgium's appeal was rejected, sparked outrage from the Royal Belgian Football Association. The incident drew attention at the highest levels, with former US President Donald Trump reportedly calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of a controversial red card given in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Spain now advances to the World Cup quarterfinals, awaiting the winner of the USA-Belgium match.

Sources