Winning Euro 2016 is the same as winning the World Cup for me, says Ronaldo after Spain exit

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has described his UEFA Euro 2016 triumph as being equal in significance to winning the FIFA World Cup, following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 tournament.

Portugal’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 after a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas. Substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals and bring Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup campaign to a close.

Speaking after the match, the 41-year-old football icon reflected on his international career, insisting that lifting the European Championship with Portugal remains one of his greatest achievements.

“I’ve won Euro 2016 and for me it has the same dimension as the World Cup. That remains forever. Tomorrow is a new day, and we go,” Ronaldo said.

The veteran forward expressed satisfaction with his achievements for Portugal, noting that he helped the national team win its first major international trophies.

“I will wake up tomorrow with the same mood as I did today. I did my best. I won three titles with Portugal; before me it was zero titles. I can only be happy,” he added.

Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of his appearances at football’s biggest tournament, although he stopped short of announcing his retirement from international football.

“It’s been my last World Cup, yes… but now I will have time to think, stay with my family and life continues,” he stated.

Despite the disappointment of Portugal’s exit, Ronaldo said he had no regrets, insisting he gave everything possible throughout the competition.

“I’m leaving with a clear conscience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. I’m sad after being eliminated like this, but I gave it my very best.”

He also praised Spain’s quality, describing them as one of the strongest teams in the tournament and backing them to go far in the competition.

Ronaldo ends his World Cup career with 27 appearances and 11 goals across six tournaments. During the 2026 edition, he scored twice against Uzbekistan and added another goal from the penalty spot against Croatia.

Although the FIFA World Cup title remained the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career, Ronaldo leaves international football as one of Portugal’s greatest-ever players, having won UEFA Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles while becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer and appearance maker.

Spain will now face the winner of the United States versus Belgium encounter in the World Cup quarter-finals.