27 Caps, 11 Goals, Six Tournaments: Ronaldo’s World Cup career by numbers

Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup journey came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute to eliminate Portugal from the tournament.

Before the match, Mr Ronaldo had confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be the last of his career.

The 41-year-old ends his World Cup career with 27 appearances across six tournaments, 11 goals, and the distinction of becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions.

Appearances

Mr Ronaldo featured at the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

His 27 appearances are the second-highest in the tournament’s history, behind only Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has made 30 appearances.

Mr Messi’s total could still increase, with Argentina remaining in the competition.

Goals

Mr Ronaldo scored 11 goals across six FIFA World Cup tournaments, placing him joint ninth on the competition’s all-time scoring list.

His goals included two against Uzbekistan during the 2026 group stage, a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32 this year, and a memorable hat-trick against Spain in a 3-3 group-stage draw at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Tournament-by-tournament record

2006: At 21, Mr Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the semi-finals before losing to France.

2010: Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16.

2014: Portugal failed to progress beyond the group stage.

2018: Mr Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain in the group stage before Portugal exited in the Round of 16 against Uruguay.

2022: Portugal reached the quarter-finals but were eliminated by Morocco. Mr Ronaldo left the pitch in tears after the defeat.

2026: The veteran forward scored three goals during the tournament before Portugal’s Round of 16 exit against Spain.

Records and legacy

Mr Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments after finding the net against Uzbekistan during the 2026 edition.

He also retires as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup.

Beyond the World Cup, Mr Ronaldo won three major international trophies with Portugal, including the 2016 UEFA European Championship, a title he has previously described as being on the same level as winning the World Cup.

Despite six appearances at football’s biggest tournament, Mr Ronaldo never lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, with the quarter-final stage yet to be completed.