Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his disappointment after Portugal was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16 by Spain. The 41-year-old confirmed that this was his final World Cup appearance but said he would not make an immediate decision about retiring from international football.

"I am sad to be leaving the World Cup like this," Ronaldo told the media after the match. "I gave it my all. I did my best, and I am leaving with a clear conscience. It was my last World Cup, yes, but I will now have time to reflect and be with my family. I will not be making any rash decisions. I don't make decisions in the heat of the moment."

Reflecting on his international career, Ronaldo highlighted the three trophies Portugal has won during his time with the national team – the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 and 2025 UEFA Nations League titles. He noted that Portugal had not won any major silverware before his debut.

"I have won three titles for Portugal; before Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal hadn't won a single title," he said. "The biggest title the national team has ever won was in 2016, the European Championship, which, to be honest, is just as significant to me as a World Cup."

Ronaldo also paid tribute to Portugal coach Roberto Martínez, who resigned following the team's exit. "I loved working with him," he said. "A great manager, a great human being, and what he's done for Portugal is to be commended. I want to thank him and wish him every happiness."

"It is always sad to be knocked out of a major tournament. It is the World Cup. The team was really coming into its own. We played well, in my view. It could have gone either way, but that's football. We have to pick ourselves up and carry on," Ronaldo added.