Qatar 2022

Is this Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup? What’s next after Qatar 2022

Morocco have taken down another giant by eliminating Portugal, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo's international future up in the air. Was Qatar 2022 the last World Cup in his brilliant career?

Cristiano Ronaldo.
© Francois Nel/Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo.

Morocco have done it again. The African team has pulled off another upset at Qatar 2022 by eliminating Portugal from the World Cup, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future with the national team up in the air.

Advertisement

The Portuguese superstar now faces a challenging moment in his career. At 37, without a club, and having played a fifth World Cup, many wonder whether Ronaldo will be back for the 2026 tournament.

Ronaldo is one of many players who entered the tournament knowing this could be his last dance, and therefore his final shot to win the coveted trophy with his country. Will he give up after this elimination? Or is he going to try again?

Advertisement

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup?

Ronaldo refused to make a decision on his future before the tournament, so we don’t know yet whether he plans to continue playing by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place. While there are reasons to believe Qatar 2022 was his last World Cup, Ronaldo has already proven he should never be underestimated.

The fact he’s not getting any younger makes one think Ronaldo won’t play in another World Cup. In four years, Ronaldo will be 41. Can he still make it? Of course, Cristiano has already proven his ability to defy Father Time.

Advertisement

But the years pass, new players emerge, and Ronaldo will eventually have to make room for the younger generations. In the end, it’s a decision he’ll have to make. However, even if he decides to continue, the manager will decide whether to count on Ronaldo or not.

It’s too soon to tell, Ronaldo has time to think about his future. Either way, his legacy is untouchable. Portugal are out, but you can still predict the winner of Qatar 2022 using our World Cup Predictor.

Advertisement
ALSO READ
Which countries could Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal face at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?
Soccer

Which countries could Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal face at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?

Mexico confirm date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup
Soccer

Mexico confirm date and venue for friendly vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal before 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with five-word message to Portugal’s U17 World Cup title
Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts with five-word message to Portugal’s U17 World Cup title

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup
Soccer

Where to watch Portugal U17 vs Austria U17 live in the USA: 2025 U17 World Cup

Better Collective Logo