Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Retirement Stance Clear With 2026 World Cup Plan: Report

Has Cristiano Ronaldo played his last international game for Portugal? A recent report has revealed the iconic footballer's immediate plans.

After Portugal departed from Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage, many fans have been speculating if Ronaldo would retire from international football. Ronaldo struggled throughout the tournament, failing to register a single goal or assist. However, a report indicates that Ronaldo isn't ready to retire from international play just yet. He is determined to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and aims to bring the trophy home.

Ronaldo had an underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, contributing little to the team's offensive efforts. Portugal reached the quarterfinals of the tournament largely due to goalkeeper Diogo Costa's heroics in the penalty shootout, after Ronaldo missed a crucial penalty, putting the team at risk of elimination.

In the quarter-final clash against France, Portugal again struggled to find the net, forcing the match into another penalty shootout where France emerged victorious.

However, according to a report by Relevo, Ronaldo's journey with Portugal isn't over yet. The publication states that Ronaldo has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He also aspires to become the first player in history to appear and score in six editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo entered Euro 2024 following a prolific season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, scoring 50 goals in all competitions. Despite this success, he could not translate his club form into goals for Portugal during the tournament.

After Portugal's quarter-final victory against Slovenia, Ronaldo acknowledged 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 analyze the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances," he said.

While Ronaldo's official announcement regarding his international future is yet to come, it seems clear that he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet and has big plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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