Cristiano Ronaldo entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as one of the most decorated footballers in history, but also as a player facing intense scrutiny. At 41 years old, the Portuguese captain had already announced that this would be his final appearance on the global stage, setting the stage for an emotional and turbulent campaign. Over the course of the tournament, Ronaldo experienced both record-breaking highs and devastating lows, ultimately bowing out in the Round of 16 against Spain, a defeat that left the football world reflecting on his unparalleled legacy.
Pre-Tournament Build-Up and Preparation
In the months leading up to the World Cup, Ronaldo had been competing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, where he won his first league title in May 2026, scoring a memorable free kick and celebrating with tears of joy. However, his season also ended in disappointment when Al-Nassr lost the Asian Champions League final, with Ronaldo leaving the pitch before the medal ceremony, sparking controversy. Despite these club ups and downs, Ronaldo remained focused on the national team. He expressed positivity before departing for the World Cup, stating, "I believe things will go well." Portugal's group drew them against DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, a manageable set of opponents that raised hopes of a deep run.
Portugal's pre-tournament friendly against Nigeria provided a chance to build chemistry. Ronaldo also honored his late teammate Diogo Jota, who had died the previous year, by wearing a memorial badge alongside his teammates. The Portuguese squad was motivated to win for Jota, a gesture widely praised.
Group Stage: Records and Mixed Performances
Portugal began their Group K campaign against DR Congo on June 17. The match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, with Ronaldo delivering a subdued performance. Statistics showed he attempted only three shots, completed no dribbles, and won just two duels. Thierry Henry criticized him, saying, "It's up to the team to score, not you," while the Portuguese press labeled his display as "transparent." Despite the criticism, Ronaldo remained in the starting lineup for the second match against Uzbekistan on June 23.
Against Uzbekistan, Ronaldo answered his critics in spectacular fashion. He scored a historic double, becoming the first player ever to score in six different World Cup tournaments. The first goal was a clinical finish, the second a powerful header, as Portugal cruised to a 5-0 victory. After the match, Ronaldo defiantly stated, "Everyone thought I should retire, but I'm back." Yet doubts lingered: a poll in a Portuguese sports newspaper had shown that a majority of fans wanted him benched for that game, and the press continued to question his role.
The final group match against Colombia on June 28 ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with Ronaldo again failing to find the net. Portugal finished second in the group and advanced to the Round of 16, where they faced Croatia on July 2. In that knockout match, Ronaldo scored again, leading Portugal to a 2-1 win. His goal was described as "historically surprising" by some media, and he kept the mystery about his international retirement intact. Portugal then set up a Round of 16 clash against Spain, a classic European rivalry.
Round of 16: The Heartbreaking Exit Against Spain
On July 6, Portugal faced Spain in a tense Round of 16 match. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Spain, eliminating Portugal. Ronaldo, visibly emotional, was seen crying on the pitch after the final whistle. The image of his tears dominated headlines worldwide. After the match, he confirmed, "This was my last World Cup," but left the door open for continuing with the national team. The Spanish press and fans celebrated while Portugal went into mourning.
The elimination sparked widespread reaction. Some Portuguese media turned on Ronaldo, with headlines such as "It's time for him to give up his place" and "The Portuguese press destroys Ronaldo." Others, like his sister, had earlier claimed this was his "last dance." Ronaldo himself made a defiant statement, saying "Before Cristiano, Portugal had won nothing," which drew mixed reactions. The defeat also had economic consequences: ticket prices for Portugal's games dropped significantly after their exit.
Controversies and Off-Pitch Drama
The World Cup was not without its off-field controversies involving Ronaldo. In the lead-up to the tournament, there was speculation about coach Roberto Martinez's future, which angered Portuguese fans. After the elimination, Jorge Jesus was appointed as the new Portugal coach, a figure known for his success with Flamengo and his previous work with Ronaldo. Jesus issued a warning that "the name is of no importance," signaling a potential shift in the team's approach.
Another controversy involved French striker Folarin Balogun, who claimed that Ronaldo had received preferential treatment from FIFA after a red card in a previous match. Ronaldo also faced intense scrutiny for his own red card history, although he denied any unfair treatment. Furthermore, a bizarre incident occurred when Ronaldo's girlfriend was involved in a fake comment scandal involving Joao Neves' wife, but it was quickly debunked.
Cyberbullying also emerged as a dark theme: Joao Neves, a young Portuguese midfielder, was targeted by Ronaldo's fans after a performance that some perceived as overshadowing Ronaldo. Messages included insults and death threats. Additionally, Alexander Sorloth, a Norwegian player, received death threats after Norway's elimination, which was linked to Ronaldo's fan base. A YouTuber named IShowSpeed, known for his fervent support of Ronaldo, was a controversial presence at the tournament, often acting as a FIFA-promoted influencer.
Records and Legacy
Despite the early exit, Ronaldo cemented his place in World Cup history. He became the first player to score in six tournaments, breaking a tie with Lionel Messi, who also reached the same number of appearances. A scientific study released during the tournament claimed that left-leaning fans preferred Messi, while right-leaning fans chose Ronaldo, adding a sociopolitical layer to their rivalry. Ronaldo also got involved in a betting scandal on Polymarket, where thousands bet on whether he would cry during the World Cup—a bet that cashed in after his emotional elimination.
His overall World Cup statistics remained impressive, but the 2026 tournament exposed his physical decline. He struggled to influence games against top opposition, and many pundits argued that Portugal might have performed better without him. Still, his leadership and determination were never in question. One headline read, "He is old, but...", reflecting the divided opinion: some saw him as a liability, others as a symbol of resilience.
Farewell and Future
After the tournament, Ronaldo's future with the national team remained uncertain. He insisted that he would not rush into retirement, but the arrival of coach Jorge Jesus suggested a new era. Jesus, who had won titles with Flamengo, was described as an "autodidact" and promised to bring fresh ideas. Ronaldo's last statement before leaving America was, "It's not the end we wanted," echoing the sentiments of fans who hoped for a fairy-tale finish.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 2026 World Cup was a microcosm of his entire career: moments of genius, fierce criticism, emotional highs and lows, and a constant battle against time. He leaves the World Cup stage as one of the greatest to ever play the game, having inspired millions and sparked endless debates. As he returns to Saudi Arabia, the football world will now ponder what comes next—for Portugal and for the man who defined an era.
Source: leparisien.fr News