Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested his international career may be over after Spain ended Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic late winner in Dallas, leaving one of football's greatest players without the one trophy that always eluded him.

Spain's late blow ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream

Portugal and Spain were level and heading toward extra time when Nuno Mendes — arguably the only left back in the world capable of consistently containing Lamine Yamal — limped off in the 56th minute with an injury. Nelson Semedo replaced him, and Spain sensed an opportunity.

From that moment, Spain took control, pressing Portugal deeper and deeper into their own half. The decisive blow came in the 91st minute, when Ferran Torres set up fellow substitute Mikel Merino, whose finish sent Spain through to the quarter-finals and Portugal home.

Diogo Costa had been Portugal's standout performer across the tournament, delivering another shot-stopping display, but it was not enough to keep the Iberian rivals apart.

Ronaldo reflects on a career without World Cup glory