The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to deliver plenty of firsts. It will be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Yet beyond the expanded format and the promise of new stories, the competition could also mark the end of an era.For several of football’s most recognisable names, this is likely to be one final appearance on the sport’s biggest stage. Many have already played in multiple World Cups, captained their countries, lifted major trophies and produced some of the tournament’s most memorable moments. Others are still chasing the one achievement that has eluded them throughout their careers.While retirement plans can always change and football rarely follows a script, the players below are widely expected to be making their final World Cup appearances if they take the field in North America this summer.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina, 39)
FILE – Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, FIle)
The reigning world champion has already arrived in the United States with Argentina as they prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Named by manager Lionel Scaloni, the Inter Miami star is set to make a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, matching long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi remains the tactical centrepiece of Argentina’s plans despite ongoing discussions around the age profile of the squad. His leadership, experience and ability to decide matches continue to make him indispensable to the defending champions. Having finally completed football by lifting the World Cup in Qatar, this campaign is widely expected to represent the final international chapter of a career that has redefined modern football and established him among the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 41)
FILE – Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Hungary in Lisbon, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)
Ronaldo has been included in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad and is set to make a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance alongside Messi. The Al-Nassr captain recently secured his first Saudi Pro League title while maintaining an extraordinary scoring rate at club level. This will also mark his 13th major international tournament since making his Portugal debut more than two decades ago. Ronaldo has publicly indicated that this tournament is expected to be his final major international competition. While Portugal have assembled one of the strongest squads in world football, featuring stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Rafael Leao, the World Cup remains the one major trophy missing from Ronaldo’s remarkable collection. The 2026 tournament therefore offers one final opportunity to complete an already legendary career.
3. Luka Modrić (Croatia, 40)
FILE – Croatia’s Luka Modric scores his side’s second goal from a penalty spot during a World Cup 2026 group L qualifying soccer match between Croatia and Czech Republic at the Opus Arena in Osijek, Croatia, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)
The timeless midfielder is preparing for a fifth World Cup appearance and is expected to captain Croatia’s golden generation one final time. Now with AC Milan, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner recently suffered a fractured cheekbone during domestic action but successfully underwent surgery and returned to training wearing a protective facial mask. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić nevertheless included the veteran playmaker in his plans, underlining his continued importance to the national team. Modrić remains the heartbeat of a Croatian side navigating a transition between generations while preparing for a demanding group-stage campaign featuring England, Ghana and Panama. Reports indicate that he intends to retire following the tournament, making North America the final stage for one of the most influential midfielders of his era.
4. Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer attends a training session of the German national soccer team in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Germany’s legendary sweeper-keeper is preparing for a fifth consecutive World Cup after reversing his international retirement. Neuer initially stepped away following Euro 2024 before being persuaded to return by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, who confirmed that the Bayern Munich veteran would once again be the nation’s first-choice goalkeeper. The 40-year-old arrives after another successful domestic season that included a Bundesliga title and a contract extension at club level. His return provides Germany with one of the most experienced players in international football, while also offering stability to a squad seeking to re-establish itself among the world’s elite. The tournament is expected to represent Neuer’s final appearance in international football before he permanently closes one of the greatest goalkeeping careers the game has witnessed.
5. Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 40)
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s qualification has delivered a fitting final chapter for one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers. Džeko played a key role throughout qualification and remains the focal point of the national team’s attack under manager Sergej Barbarez. The veteran striker enters the tournament as Bosnia’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearance holder, having spent years carrying the nation’s hopes on his shoulders. Despite his age, Barbarez continues to rely heavily on Džeko’s leadership, experience and goalscoring instincts as Bosnia prepare for a historic World Cup campaign. The striker has openly acknowledged that this tournament will represent his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, offering one last opportunity to add to a legacy that has already secured his place among Bosnia’s sporting icons.
6. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 40)
Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa gestures during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Australia Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Mexico’s legendary goalkeeper has once again secured a place in El Tri’s squad despite fierce competition from a younger generation of goalkeepers. Ochoa has built a reputation as one of football’s greatest World Cup specialists thanks to a series of extraordinary performances across multiple tournaments. His heroics against some of the world’s strongest teams have become a defining part of Mexico’s modern World Cup history. At 40, his leadership, experience and tournament pedigree convinced the coaching staff to keep faith with him for another campaign. Acting as both a senior figure and defensive anchor, Ochoa enters the tournament knowing that this is widely expected to be the final international competition of a career that has become synonymous with Mexico’s World Cup story.
7. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 33)
FILE – Egypt’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Egypt and Benin in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy, File)
The Liverpool superstar remains the face of Egyptian football and enters the tournament carrying the hopes of an entire nation. Salah continues to perform at an elite level in club football and remains one of the world’s most feared attacking players. Despite still being at the peak of his powers, the realities of age and future World Cup cycles mean that 2026 is widely viewed as his final realistic opportunity to compete for football’s biggest prize. Egypt will once again look to Salah’s pace, finishing ability and leadership to drive them forward. The tournament offers the Pharaohs captain a chance to deliver one final World Cup statement and potentially guide Egypt to a historic run that has eluded previous generations.
8. Neymar Jr. (Brazil, 34)
Screens display an image of Neymar after he was included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Carlo Ancelotti has officially named Neymar in Brazil’s final squad despite concerns surrounding a grade-two muscle strain in his right calf. The injury has cast uncertainty over his immediate availability, but his importance to the Seleção remains unquestioned. Neymar has repeatedly spoken about the emotional and mental burden of carrying Brazil’s expectations throughout his career and has hinted on several occasions that this tournament could represent his international “last dance”. Even as Brazil enter the competition with a new generation of stars, the creative responsibility still largely falls on Neymar whenever he is available. His inclusion reflects both his enduring quality and Brazil’s belief that he can finally help deliver the elusive World Cup title that escaped his generation.
9. Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina, 38)
The veteran defender has maintained his place in Lionel Scaloni’s plans and is expected to partner Argentina’s younger defenders as the reigning champions attempt to defend their title. Currently with Benfica, Otamendi remains one of the most experienced members of the squad thanks to his leadership, aerial strength and physical presence. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance after previously featuring in 2010, 2018 and Argentina’s triumphant 2022 campaign. While some observers questioned whether Argentina should move toward younger options, Scaloni has consistently valued Otamendi’s experience in tournament football. Having already achieved the ultimate prize in Qatar, the defender is widely expected to bring his international career to a close following this final World Cup campaign.
10. Casemiro (Brazil, 34)
Brazil’s Casemiro celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal against Panama during a friendly soccer match in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
The Manchester United midfielder has been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man squad and remains one of Brazil’s most influential leaders. This will be Casemiro’s fourth World Cup appearance and is widely expected to represent the final chapter of his international career. Throughout his time with the Seleção, he has served as the midfield anchor responsible for balancing defensive discipline with tactical control. Despite Brazil’s abundance of younger midfield talent, Casemiro’s experience and leadership remain highly valued. As the team pursues a long-awaited sixth World Cup title, the veteran midfielder will once again be tasked with providing the stability and composure required in the tournament’s biggest moments.
11. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, 34)
Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay during the last practice before the World Cup soccer in Zeist, Netherlands, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (AP Photo/ Patrick Post)
The Liverpool captain is preparing to lead the Netherlands at what is widely expected to be his final World Cup. Following qualification, Van Dijk publicly indicated that the 2026 tournament would likely be his final international competition before stepping away from Oranje duties. Ronald Koeman continues to view him as the cornerstone of the Dutch defence, relying on his leadership, organisational ability and experience in high-pressure matches. Although this will only be his second World Cup appearance after captaining the Netherlands to the quarter-finals in Qatar 2022, Van Dijk remains determined to help his country challenge for the biggest prize in football before eventually closing the international chapter of his career.
12. James Rodríguez (Colombia, 34)
FILE – Colombia midfielder James Rodríguez (10) in action during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against France, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Colombia’s captain and iconic number ten enters the tournament carrying memories of one of the greatest individual World Cup campaigns in modern history. Rodríguez burst onto the global stage in 2014 when he won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in just five matches and leading Colombia to its first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Now with Minnesota United, the playmaker has fought through recent fitness issues to earn another opportunity on football’s biggest stage. He will celebrate his 35th birthday during the tournament and has indicated that this campaign is expected to be his final appearance at a World Cup. After Colombia missed out on Qatar 2022, simply returning to the tournament has become one of the defining achievements of the latter stages of Rodríguez’s career.
13. Son Heung-min (South Korea, 33)
FILE -South Korea’s Son Heung-min goes for the ball during the international friendly soccer match between South Korea and Ivory Coast in Milton Keynes, England, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland, File)
South Korea’s captain is preparing for a fourth consecutive World Cup after being named in Hong Myung-bo’s final squad. Now playing club football for LAFC, Son remains the country’s biggest footballing figure and one of Asia’s most recognisable stars. Although he has not formally announced a retirement date from international football, he acknowledged in a pre-tournament interview that “This could be my last World Cup.” Given his age and the timing of future World Cup cycles, many view 2026 as his likely final appearance at the tournament. South Korea will once again depend heavily on Son’s leadership, experience and attacking quality as they seek to make a deep run, while the forward looks to create one final World Cup memory before eventually stepping away from the global stage.
One final tournament for football’s golden generation
The list stretches across continents, generations and footballing styles, but a common theme runs through all 13 names. Messi, Ronaldo, Modrić, Neuer, Neymar, Salah, Son, Casemiro, Otamendi, Van Dijk, Ochoa, Džeko and James Rodríguez have each left a lasting mark on international football. Between them they have won Ballons d’Or, World Cup Golden Boots, league titles, continental trophies and countless individual honours. Some have already achieved their ultimate dreams. Others still have one final target left to chase. Nothing is certain in football, and retirement decisions can change. Yet if expectations hold true, the 2026 World Cup will not only crown a new champion. It will also likely provide the final World Cup stage for one of the most decorated and recognisable generations the sport has ever produced.
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