World Cup – Portugal Reflects on Ronaldo’s Final Tournament After Spain Defeat
World Cup – Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has praised the national team despite its elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the squad can move forward with confidence after a difficult end to its campaign.
Portugal were knocked out in the round of 16 after a 91st-minute goal from Spain midfielder Mikel Merino sealed a narrow victory. The defeat brought an end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup journey, with the veteran forward unable to help Portugal reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2006.
Prime Minister Salutes Portugal Squad
Montenegro shared a photograph of himself embracing Ronaldo and thanked the players for representing the country on the global stage. He said the squad had brought pride and recognition to Portugal and had continued fighting until the final moments of the match.
“The future will be faced with ambition and confidence,” Montenegro said in his message, praising the team’s commitment throughout the tournament.
Portugal had several opportunities against Spain but were unable to convert them. Merino’s late strike proved decisive, ending hopes of another deep World Cup run for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Ronaldo Concludes Long World Cup Career
The 2026 tournament marked Ronaldo’s sixth FIFA World Cup appearance and his last at the competition. His international World Cup record ended with 27 matches, placing him among the most experienced players in tournament history.
Ronaldo scored three times in five matches during this edition, adding to a World Cup tally that made him Portugal’s leading scorer in the competition. His performances also produced several age-related records, reflecting his ability to remain involved at the highest level late in his career.
However, his final match against Spain was frustrating for Portugal. Ronaldo attempted numerous shots but was unable to find the target or create a clear chance for a teammate as the side chased an equaliser.
Records During the 2026 Tournament
Portugal’s knockout win over Croatia provided one of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s final World Cup. At 41, he became the first player to appear in a World Cup knockout match at that age or older.
The match also featured Ronaldo facing Luka Modric, making it the first World Cup game to include two outfield players aged 40 or above. Ronaldo later added another milestone by becoming the oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match.
That goal was especially significant because it was his first in a World Cup knockout fixture. It also added another chapter to a career that has included major achievements at club and international level.
Uneven Group Stage Results
Portugal began the tournament with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, a result that prompted questions about the team’s attacking form. Ronaldo did not score in that opening game and faced criticism for an ineffective display.
The response came in the next fixture, when Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0. Ronaldo scored twice, while Nuno Mendes and Rafael Leao also registered goals. An own goal added to Uzbekistan’s difficult evening as Portugal secured their first win of the competition.
Ronaldo’s two goals against Uzbekistan moved him ahead of Eusebio as Portugal’s highest scorer in World Cup history. The former forward finished with 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio’s total of nine.
Portugal completed the group stage with a goalless draw against Colombia before advancing to the knockout rounds. Although the campaign ended earlier than hoped, the team’s performance has left attention turning towards the next generation of Portuguese players.