Home / Sports / Football / Photos / FIFA World Cup 2026 | In Photos: Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after defeat against Spain

FIFA World Cup 2026 | In Photos: Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after defeat against Spain

Updated On: 07 July, 2026 10:26 AM IST | Atharva Upasani

Cristiano Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup journey ended in tears once again as a late strike from Mikel Merino helped Spain overcome Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, bringing down the curtains on one of the most talked-about FIFA WC careers of all time (Pics: PTI)

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Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after full time (Pic: PTI)
Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after full time (Pic: PTI)
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Following a missed free kick, which marked a final chance for Portugal, Cristiano was seen breaking down in tears as he failed in his quest to win his maiden World Cup title

Following a missed free kick, which marked a final chance for Portugal, Cristiano was seen breaking down in tears as he failed in his quest to win his maiden World Cup title

03
Before the match, Cristiano had announced that the ongoing edition would be his last WC. However, he has not offered any hint on his international football future as he chases the record of 1,000 professional goals

Before the match, Cristiano had announced that the ongoing edition would be his last WC. However, he has not offered any hint on his international football future as he chases the record of 1,000 professional goals

04
Since Cristiano's debut at the grandest stage, Portugal has achieved fourth place in his debut tournament in 2006, followed by a round of 16 in the 2010 edition, then a group stage exit in 2014 and then another pre-quarterfinal exit in 2018

Since Cristiano's debut at the grandest stage, Portugal has achieved fourth place in his debut tournament in 2006, followed by a round of 16 in the 2010 edition, then a group stage exit in 2014 and then another pre-quarterfinal exit in 2018

05
Against Croatia in the round of 32, a match which Portugal won 2-1, CR7 became the first player in history to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at the age of 41 or older

Against Croatia in the round of 32, a match which Portugal won 2-1, CR7 became the first player in history to feature in a FIFA World Cup knockout match at the age of 41 or older

06
Speaking after the match, Ronaldo confirmed it was his last World Cup match but did not announce international retirement

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo confirmed it was his last World Cup match but did not announce international retirement

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