The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a tournament of farewells, marking the last stand for a generation of football legends.
The following iconic players are widely expected to make their final World Cup appearance in North America due to age, injury history, or explicit statements.
The Legendary Cohort
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, age 41)
Participating in his historic sixth World Cup, Ronaldo has scored 30 goals in 37 matches for Al-Nassr this season. He will be the second-oldest player at the tournament, behind only Scotland's 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Lionel Messi (Argentina, age 38)
Argentina's all-time leading scorer is making his sixth World Cup appearance. As the defending champion from 2022, Messi leads a team looking to repeat, though he has faced notable injury concerns in the lead-up to the tournament.
Luka Modric (Croatia, age 40)
The Croatian captain and playmaker enters his fifth World Cup. Known for his resilience, Modric recently underwent cheekbone surgery but is expected to lead his team in what is likely his international swansong.
The Veterans on Their Final Run
Neymar (Brazil, age 34)
Brazil's all-time leading scorer has returned to the national team after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Despite his undeniable talent, his history of fitness issues makes this a poignant final chapter for the star.
Manuel Neuer (Germany, age 40)
The goalkeeper came out of retirement specifically to be named Germany's first-choice keeper. Neuer was instrumental in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory and will be anchoring the defense one last time.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, age 33)
This is likely Salah’s second and final World Cup appearance. He recently left Liverpool after an underwhelming final season, making this tournament a critical stage for his legacy.
The Golden Generation Exits
Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium, age 35)
The key midfielder is participating in his fourth World Cup. He is the final pillar of Belgium's "golden generation," a team that has consistently underperformed on the biggest stage.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, age 35)
The Netherlands captain enters his third World Cup. A defensive titan, van Dijk has won both the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, and this tournament represents his last chance to lead his nation to glory.
Sadio Mane (Senegal, age 34)
Participating in his third World Cup, Mane missed the 2022 edition due to injury. He has indicated that the last Africa Cup of Nations was his last, suggesting this is his farewell on the global stage.
The Host Nation's Farewell
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, age 41)
A six-time World Cup participant, Ochoa has confirmed he will retire after the tournament. As a co-host, Mexico will be looking to give their legendary goalkeeper a memorable send-off on home soil.