Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has made a blunt admission regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's international future following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The comments come after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 6, 2026.
Photographs from the match show Ronaldo, wearing the number 7 jersey, appearing dejected after the loss that ended Portugal's tournament run. The 2026 World Cup marked Ronaldo's sixth appearance at the finals, extending his record as the only male player to score at five World Cups.
Jesus, who took charge of the national team ahead of the tournament, addressed Ronaldo's situation in the aftermath of the defeat. The forward, who turned 41 in February 2026, has not officially announced his retirement from international football despite speculation surrounding his future after the World Cup.
