FIFA World Cup 2026 could mark the final appearances of some of football’s greatest players on the sport’s biggest stage.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is getting closer, bringing over a month of unforgettable moments and stories. But beyond the excitement, the tournament also feels like the end of an era. For many fans, this may be the final time watching the players they grew up idolizing compete on football’s biggest stage.
From World Cup winners to icons who defined an entire generation of football, these legends are likely heading into one last dance before passing the torch to the next era.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Almost four years have passed since the last World Cup, where many believed it was Messi’s final chance to win the elusive trophy. He finally did it in 2022, and now in 2026, he’s running it back.
At 38, Messi likely doesn’t have many more years left at the top level, making this World Cup feel like his last. And with Argentina’s current core still looking strong, there’s even a chance he could go back-to-back before handing the team over to the next generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
At 41, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. Many thought 2022 was CR7’s last World Cup, but he’s still going strong and bagging goals in the Saudi Pro League.
With Portugal boasting stars like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Ruben Dias, and Nuno Mendes, they could have one final shot at giving Ronaldo the fairytale ending in what would likely be his sixth and final World Cup appearance.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Another player who has been part of this conversation since 2018, Modric continues to defy father time. Now at AC Milan, he still remains an important figure. After leading a country of just around four million people to a runner-up finish in 2018 and third place in 2022, Modric has already cemented himself as one of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen regardless of what happens in 2026.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
One of the centerpieces of Belgium’s golden generation, De Bruyne is now among the few remaining stars from that era. From their third-place finish in 2018 to an early exit in 2022, Belgium’s golden generation has slowly declined. With Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, and Dries Mertens already gone, De Bruyne could be next as he approaches 35.
It may also be the final World Cup for Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Axel Witsel, the remaining key figures from Belgium’s golden era.
Neymar Jr. (Brazil)
There’s still uncertainty around whether Neymar will even make Brazil’s World Cup squad after missing recent international duties. Now back at his boyhood club Santos and coming off a major ACL injury suffered in 2023, questions remain about his level heading into 2026. By then, he’ll be 34, while Brazil’s younger stars continue to emerge.
Other Brazilian veterans like Casemiro and Alisson are also likely approaching their final World Cup appearances.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Salah will be 34 by the time the World Cup arrives, and after nearly a decade at Liverpool, the latter stages of his career are beginning to come into view. He has given everything for both club and country throughout his prime years, and 2026 may mark his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
N’Golo Kante (France)
Kante’s return to Europe at this stage of his career has been remarkable after his stint in Saudi Arabia. Even at 35, he continues to show incredible control and energy in midfield. A World Cup winner in 2018 and a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, this upcoming tournament will likely be the final World Cup appearance for one of football’s most beloved midfielders.
Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)
Long-time leaders of Senegal’s golden generation, both Mane and Koulibaly are now entering the twilight years of their careers. After helping elevate Senegal into a consistent African powerhouse, 2026 could mark their final run together on the international stage.
Manuel Neuer (Germany)
After initially stepping away from international football, Neuer could still make a return for Germany’s World Cup 2026 campaign. Reports suggest he remains open to coming back, and if that happens, it would almost certainly be his final appearance on the world stage.
At 40, Neuer has already built a legacy few can match as World Cup winner in 2014, multiple Champions League titles, and a decorated career with Bayern Munich that cemented him as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands)
One of the best defenders of his generation, Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk will also be nearing 35 by the next World Cup. With years of mileage and past injury concerns, 2026 will likely be his final appearance at the tournament despite still being among the world’s elite defenders.
Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
Son’s move to LAFC after a decade with Tottenham felt like the natural next chapter of his career. Now 33, this will likely be his final World Cup. Regardless, he has already cemented himself as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time and one of South Korea’s most iconic athletes.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
At 39, Suárez is deep into the twilight years of his career. Now reunited with Messi at Inter Miami, he continues to enjoy football while winding down an incredible career. If selected for Uruguay in 2026, it would almost certainly be his final World Cup appearance.
Banner Images from Lionel Messi on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to play in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina at age 38, marking his first appearance as a defending champion. Following his historic 2022 victory, this upcoming tournament is highly anticipated to be the final World Cup appearance of his legendary career.
Cristiano Ronaldo has played in five World Cup tournaments, spanning from 2006 to 2022. If he qualifies and competes for Portugal in the 2026 event at age 41, he will make history as the first football player to feature in six different World Cup editions.
Neymar’s participation in the 2026 tournament remains unconfirmed as he recovers from serious injuries and works to secure his roster spot with Brazil’s national team. At 34 years old and currently playing for Santos, this campaign likely represents his last opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Axel Witsel are the primary remaining active stars from Belgium’s iconic squad heading into 2026. With veteran teammates like Eden Hazard and Jan Vertonghen already retired, this tournament marks the final chapter for this historic generation.
Manuel Neuer is reportedly open to returning to international football to anchor Germany’s goalkeeper position for the 2026 campaign. Should the 40-year-old Bayern Munich legend make the final roster, it will officially serve as the definitive final World Cup appearance of his decorated career.
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