Cristiano Ronaldo plays final World Cup match following Portugal's defeat

Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup after a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the Round of 16. The decisive goal was scored by Mikel Merino during stoppage time. This match marked the final World Cup appearance for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who had confirmed his retirement from the tournament prior to the game. Ronaldo was visibly emotional as he left the pitch, concluding a career that spanned six World Cup tournaments beginning in 2006. He retires holding the record as the first player to score in six different World Cup finals. Despite not winning the trophy, his legacy remains significant in football history. The event took place on July 6, 2026.