Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his intention to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese forward turned 41 in February 2026. He told CNN anchor Becky Anderson during a live video link from Portugal’s training camp that the tournament would mark his final major international competition.
Ronaldo stated, “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old.” He added that he expected to retire from football within one or two years. Portugal qualified directly for the expanded 2026 tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ronaldo has already appeared in five World Cups, a record he shares with few others.
The forward plays club football for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. He continues to score regularly at the highest level. If selected and fit, Ronaldo will compete at an age that places him among the oldest outfield players in World Cup history. Goalkeepers have dominated the all-time oldest list because of the position’s demands.
Essam El Hadary set the benchmark as the oldest player at a World Cup. The Egyptian goalkeeper appeared in 2018 at 45 years and 161 days against Saudi Arabia. He saved a penalty in that group-stage match before Egypt lost 2-1.
Faryd Mondragon followed as the second oldest. The Colombian goalkeeper played in 2014 at 43 years and 3 days against Japan. Roger Milla came next. The Cameroonian forward featured in 1994 at 42 years and 39 days against Russia and scored in that game.
Pat Jennings occupied fourth place. The Northern Ireland goalkeeper took the field in 1986 at exactly 41 years and 0 days against Brazil. Peter Shilton and Dino Zoff rounded out early positions on the list with appearances at ages just under or over 40.
Ronaldo will not challenge El Hadary’s record. Experts project the Portuguese star at around 41 years and 126 to 165 days during the 2026 tournament window. Still, his potential participation would insert him into the top five or six oldest players overall, a rare feat for a forward known for explosive pace earlier in his career.
Ronaldo first appeared at the World Cup in 2006 as a 21-year-old. He scored Portugal’s youngest-ever World Cup goal in that tournament. In 2018, he became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match during a 3-3 draw with Spain.
Ronaldo also scored at the 2022 tournament. That goal against Ghana made him the first player to score in five different World Cups. He serves as Portugal captain and remains the all-time leading international goalscorer with more than 140 goals.
Selection for 2026 depends on manager Roberto Martinez and Ronaldo’s form. Portugal views the forward as a key leader. Ronaldo has defied typical age decline through strict fitness routines and professional dedication.
If Ronaldo plays, he will extend his record of six World Cup appearances. Lionel Messi of Argentina, born in 1987, could also reach a sixth tournament at age 39. Both stars have shaped modern football for nearly two decades.
The 2026 World Cup begins in June. Ronaldo’s potential involvement adds a historic layer to an already expanded competition. Observers will track whether the veteran forward can contribute meaningfully at an age when most players have retired.
