Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of his illustrious international career.

The 40-year-old forward, who has scored 953 goals for club and country, revealed that he plans to retire from professional football in “one or two years,” bringing the curtain down on a career spanning over two decades.

In an interview with CNN, Ronaldo said the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States would be his final appearance on football’s grandest stage.

“Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old, and I think this will be the moment in the big competition,” he said.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 goals. He has also set his sights on reaching the 1,000-goal milestone before retiring.

Speaking via video call during a Saudi-hosted global summit on tourism and investment, Ronaldo said he still feels sharp and motivated but understands the end is near.

“I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. But let’s be honest, what I mean by soon is probably one or two years,” he remarked with a smile.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star, who made his professional debut in 2002, extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027 earlier this year.

Having won nearly every major honour in football, including the Euro 2016 title with Portugal, the World Cup remains the one trophy missing from his glittering career.

Portugal will secure qualification for the 2026 tournament if they defeat Ireland on Thursday, a stage Ronaldo hopes will serve as his final bow.