Portugal holds final training session before match against Spain at 2026 World Cup

Ronaldo's final World Cup concluded on Monday when the Spanish national team defeated Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 match. The game took place in Arlington, and this match marked the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final appearance in the World Cup.

Reaction after the match

After the game, Ronaldo looked sad, but he thanked the fans by waving to them.

Match summary and moments

During the match, Ronaldo had an opportunity to score a goal, but the Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón saved the shot with an impressive jump. Ronaldo took only three shots, two of which were inside the penalty area.

In one situation, after the ball bounced off Simón's shoulder following a cross from teammate João Félix, Ronaldo attempted to shoot at the ball from behind, but Simón managed to catch the ball with both hands while in the air.

Previous statements by Ronaldo

A day before the match, Ronaldo spoke with journalists for about 25 minutes. He expressed hope that this would not be his last match and wanted to fully enjoy his final participation in the World Cup.

Achievements of players and teams

In the history of international football, Ronaldo has scored the most goals—146. In the World Cups, he has scored 11 goals, ranking ninth in the career statistics.

Ronaldo's best result in the World Cup was his debut tournament in 2006, where he reached the semi-finals.

Records of Spain and Simón

The Spanish national team set a new record by achieving its sixth consecutive game with a 'clean sheet' (no goals conceded), which is the greatest achievement in World Cup history. Previously, this record belonged to Italy and Switzerland.

Goalkeeper Simón also set a record by not conceding a goal for 609 minutes, surpassing the record of legendary Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga from 1990.

The Spanish national team defeated Portugal in the Round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup, thereby eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo's team from the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Match Progression and Result

The confrontation between Spain and Portugal, known as the Iberian derby, was tense and went into extra time. However, the 'Furia Roja' team managed to secure the victory in added time. The only goal scored occurred in the 90+1st minute and was scored by Mikel Merino. Thanks to this victory, Spain advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they are set to play against the winner of the match between the USA and Belgium.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Statistics

Cristiano Ronaldo attracted special attention in the match. The 41-year-old captain of the Portuguese national team stated before the game that this World Cup would be the last in his professional career. In the current tournament, he has scored three goals, including two goals scored against Uzbekistan. Furthermore, he became the first player to have appeared in six World Cups.

Ronaldo's History of Successes

The last World Cup in which Ronaldo participated ended without him winning the main trophy. The best achievement for the Portuguese player in the World Cups remains reaching the semi-finals in 2006.

Other Events at the Tournament

It was also previously reported that England defeated Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico became the second host country of this tournament after Canada, which concluded its participation in the home World Cup.