Also known as: CR7 · Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal captain whose 2026 World Cup campaign ended in a last-16 loss to Spain at age 41, concluding his final tournament appearance.
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The Ghanaian Times
… Spaniard Martinez stepped down after Cristiano Ronaldo’s side slumped to a 1-0 World Cup last-16 exit to Spain. …
Jesus to take over Portugal after World Cup exitThe Ghanaian Times
… Portugal, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, were also Spain’s last victim’s in this World Cup, beaten 1-0 by a last-gasp goal that underlined one of their major strengths their substitutes. …
Spain’s unbeaten 35 matches run under threat from BelgiumJoy Online
… His decision to consistently start Cristiano Ronaldo has come under considerable scrutiny in the past two global tournaments, with BBC pundit Chris Sutton saying the Spaniard was “pandering” to the 41-year-old forward. …
Portugal confirm departure of coach MartinezDaily Guide
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to win the FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing the legendary forward’s final World Cup appearance to a close. …
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream EndsThe Ghanaian Times
Cristiano Ronaldo laboured through his last World Cup match Monday as the dream of winning the biggest prize of all ended in a 1-0 defeat to Spain and left him fighting back tears. …
Ronaldo’s World Cup dream ends in tearsThe Ghanaian Times
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that this will be his last World Cup, as he prepared to face Spain with Portugal in yesterday’s round of 16 clash in Arlington, Texas. …
This will be my last World Cup- RonaldoJoy Online
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an injury-time winner for Spain as they knocked Portugal – and Cristiano Ronaldo – out of the World Cup in a heavyweight last-16 tie in Dallas. …
Subtitute Merino scores late winner as Spain knock out PortugalThe Chronicle
… Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Blessed with a fully-fit squad for the last 16, Portugal boss Martinez is not expected to tinker with a winning formula, nor is he likely to axe Ronaldo from the first XI despite the 41-year-old’s substitution in the last-32 win over Croatia. …
Portugal, Spain go head-to-head in standout fixtureJoy Online
… A decisive 2013 World Cup playoff match between Portugal and Sweden — featuring two iconic forwards, Cristiano Ronaldo and the now retired Zlatan Ibrahimović — offered one such test. …
What it takes to be chosen as a World Cup referee – and how to ref the finalJoy Online
Goncalo Ramos grabbed a 94th-minute winner after Cristiano Ronaldo had scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout stage as Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia and progress to the last 16. …
Portugal beat Croatia in chaotic finish to reach World Cup last 16Jorge Jesus, 71, has reached full agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation to become Portugal coach after Roberto Martinez stepped down following a 1-0 World Cup last-16 loss to Spain. Jesus will sign a four-year contract running until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
10 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Jorge Jesus, 71, has reached full agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation to become Portugal coach after Roberto Martinez stepped down following a 1-0 World Cup last-16 loss to Spain. Jesus will sign a four-year contract running until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
10 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Spain face Belgium in a World Cup quarter-final with Spain unbeaten in 35 matches under manager Luis de la Fuente, while Belgium advance after a 4-1 victory over the United States.
10 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed the departure of national team coach Roberto Martinez following Portugal's last-16 loss to Spain in the tournament. Martinez, who held the role since January 2023, had already announced he would be leaving, stating that his objective was to win the World Cup and that continuing would not make sense without achieving it.
8 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16 after Mikel Merino's stoppage-time goal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old forward, who confirmed before the tournament this would be his last World Cup, has retired from the competition without winning it despite a career including five Ballon d'Or titles and five UEFA Champions League trophies.
8 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, played his last World Cup match as Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the last 16, ending his long-held dream of winning the tournament. The Portugal captain said he would reflect on his future after the disappointing display, though he stressed he leaves "with a clear conscience."
8 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament, as the 41-year-old prepares for Portugal's round of 16 clash against Spain. Ronaldo has played in six World Cups and became the first player to score in six editions of the tournament.
7 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Mikel Merino scored an injury-time winner for Spain as they knocked Portugal out of the World Cup in Dallas, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Spain will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-final.
6 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Portugal and Spain meet in the World Cup 2026 last 16 at AT&T Stadium on Monday. Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in their opening knockout game to reach this stage for the first time in 60 years, while Spain won 3-0 against Austria and remain unbeaten with no goals conceded.
6 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
A record 170 officials—52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video assistant referees from 50 FIFA member nations—have been chosen for this year's World Cup, which features an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches. The contingent includes six women referees, continuing FIFA's inclusion of female officials begun in Qatar.
3 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Goncalo Ramos scored in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia and a place in the World Cup last 16, after Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the second half and Croatia thought they had rescued the match with a late goal that was ruled out for offside.
3 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Midfielder Diogo Jota, a Liverpool player, died in a car accident in Spain on 3 July 2025, a year before Portugal's World Cup match against Croatia. His teammate Ruben Neves continues to message Jota in a WhatsApp group with Jota's widow and maintains archived conversations to send him messages on special occasions.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Portugal and Croatia meet in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 in Toronto, a match that could mark the final international tournament appearance for aging superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Portugal's performances have been inconsistent while Croatia showed vulnerabilities against England, leaving the match without a clear favourite.
2 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mexico scored three second-half goals to eliminate the Czech Republic from the World Cup and complete the group phase with maximum points, with teenager Gilberto Mora becoming the sixth-youngest player in history to start a men's World Cup match.
25 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Portugal will face Uzbekistan in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K match at Houston Stadium following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Uzbekistan comes into the game after a 3-1 loss to Colombia.
23 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao said teammates feel no pressure to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting he passes to whoever is in the best position. Conceicao defended Ronaldo as "just another member of the squad" while acknowledging criticism of the 41-year-old's mobility following Portugal's 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
23 June 2026 · The Chronicle →
The 18-year-old Lamine Yamal started Spain's match against Saudi Arabia after being limited to 19 minutes in their previous goalless draw with Cape Verde, and was central to Spain's dominant 4-0 performance. His impact lifted the atmosphere and transformed the first half with confident play that impressed former team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta.
21 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, reaching 16 World Cup goals to tie Germany's Miroslav Klose for the tournament's career scoring record.
18 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Portugal took a sixth-minute lead through Joao Neves but DR Congo equalized in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed home, claiming a draw despite Portugal's dominance of possession.
17 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to move level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup finals goals, the all-time record, as Argentina defeated Algeria in their opening World Cup match. The 38-year-old also became the first player to appear in six World Cups.
17 June 2026 · Joy Online →
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Neymar are stepping onto that stage for what is understood to be the very last time in their careers.
14 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Argentina icon Angel Di Maria has identified France, Spain, and Portugal as among the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising their exceptional talent and emerging players.
4 June 2026 · The Chronicle →
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has signed an endorsement deal with Chinese sportswear company Li-Ning following his 12-year partnership with Under Armour. The deal includes collaboration on new products and plans to launch Curry's signature shops in the US and China.
2 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on the final night of the season, ending his wait for domestic silverware since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020. Al Hilal finished two points behind.
22 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr fell 1-0 to Japanese club Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, with Deniz Hummet scoring in the 30th minute. The loss extends Ronaldo's wait for a major trophy since joining the Saudi side in January 2023, though Al-Nassr can secure their first Saudi Pro League title since 2019 with a win against Damac on Thursday.
17 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Al Nassr goalkeeper Bento's 98th-minute own goal resulted in a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal on Tuesday, denying the team the chance to clinch the Saudi Pro League title. Al Nassr remain top with 83 points from 33 games, five points clear of second-placed Al Hilal with one match remaining.
14 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Jose Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his previous stint, as announced by president Florentino Perez at a contentious press conference. The appointment aligns Mourinho's siege mentality and media-focused approach with Perez's worldview amid internal divisions in Madrid's dressing room.
13 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa joined Mexico's final training camp ahead of the World Cup (June–July), expected to become only the sixth player to appear at six World Cups. Ochoa, who has earned more than 150 caps, suggested the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could mark the end of his career.
13 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, who spent nine years at Real Madrid, told a podcast that while Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest footballer he has played alongside, Gareth Bale is the "most complete" all-round player, citing Bale's abilities in attack, defence, heading, and scoring.
12 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to the World Cup semi-final in 2022 and raised them to 8th in FIFA rankings, resigned ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Mohamed Ouahbi, a youth coach who won the U-20 World Cup in 2025, has taken over the team.
11 May 2026 · Joy Online →
Kylian Mbappe's holiday to Sardinia during his injury recovery has angered Real Madrid fans despite club approval, fuelling an online petition calling for his departure as frustration grows over his difficult second season at the club.
7 May 2026 · Joy Online →