Speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's international future has intensified after his sister, Katia Aveiro, suggested that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the Portugal captain's final tournament with the national team. Speaking to reporters outside BMO Field in Toronto before Portugal's Round of 32 match against Croatia, she indicated that Ronaldo's international career may be approaching its conclusion, describing the ongoing campaign as his "last dance" for Portugal.

According to comments attributed to Katia by FotMob, she said the information available to her suggested Ronaldo would soon bid farewell to international football. She encouraged supporters to enjoy watching him while they still could, adding that players of his calibre are exceptionally rare. Katia also clarified that her remarks referred specifically to Ronaldo's Portugal career and not necessarily to his overall professional career in club football.

The comments came shortly before Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32. Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot before substitute Gonçalo Ramos netted a stoppage-time winner to seal qualification for the Round of 16. The result kept Portugal's hopes of lifting the FIFA World Cup alive and extended what could be Ronaldo's final campaign on football's biggest stage.

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Now 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player. Over an international career spanning more than two decades, he has represented Portugal at multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. He also played a central role in the country's greatest achievements, including winning UEFA Euro 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.

Katia also addressed suggestions that Ronaldo might continue playing until reaching the milestone of 1,000 career goals. She reiterated that her comments related only to his future with the Portuguese national team, saying she believed the current World Cup would mark the end of his international journey. Ronaldo himself has not publicly confirmed any retirement plans following the tournament.

Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16 as Ronaldo continues his pursuit of a first FIFA World Cup title. Whether or not this proves to be his final appearance for Portugal, the tournament is widely expected to be one of the defining closing chapters of an international career that has established him among the greatest footballers in the history of the sport.

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