As the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaches, football fans across the globe are gearing up for what promises to be a historic tournament. While the month-long spectacle will introduce a new wave of young, hungry talent to the world stage, it will also mark a poignant farewell for some of the most legendary players to ever grace the game. For these icons, this edition of the World Cup will almost certainly be their final chance to compete on football’s biggest platform, closing out decades of extraordinary careers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Fitness has long been the cornerstone of Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering 20-plus-year career, and even at 41, the Portuguese forward continues to defy the limits of age. This season alone, he notched 30 goals in 37 appearances for Saudi side Al Nassr, bringing his all-time international goal tally for Portugal to an unrivaled 143. As the second-oldest player at this year’s tournament – outranked only by Scotland’s 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon – Ronaldo is set to become the first European player to compete at six separate World Cups, a record that may stand for generations. For the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, this tournament carries extra weight: the World Cup trophy is the only major honor missing from his extensive trophy cabinet, making this his final shot at completing football’s ultimate collection of accolades.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
Much like his long-time rival Ronaldo, Lionel Messi will also make his sixth World Cup appearance this summer, leading Argentina in their bid to defend the World Cup title they claimed in dramatic fashion in Qatar 2022. Now 38, Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and most capped player has battled persistent injury issues in the build-up to the tournament, casting doubt over his match fitness and ability to endure the grueling schedule of a 48-team World Cup. Yet even with question marks surrounding his physical condition, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the undisputed heart and soul of the South American side, whose passion for football is tied inextricably to Messi’s success.
Luka Modric, Croatia
The 40-year-old Croatian midfield magician Luka Modric is preparing to step onto the World Cup stage for the fifth and final time. After steering Croatia to a surprise runner-up finish in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022, Modric remains a core leader for his national side, even after recent facial surgery that interrupted his club season. The Croatian captain, who earned legendary status for his vision and control of the midfield, still holds hero status in a national team that has repeatedly outperformed expectations on the global stage. For fans around the world, this tournament is the last chance to watch Modric weave his magic before he retires from international football.
Neymar Jr, Brazil
At 34, Neymar Jr is far younger than Ronaldo, Messi and Modric, but his spot in Brazil’s 2026 squad was far from a given. The Seleção’s all-time leading goalscorer returns to the national side after two and a half years away from international duty, a comeback that has sparked massive excitement among Brazilian football fans. Whether his recall is a bold gamble or a masterstroke from head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains to be seen. With age and a long history of persistent injuries taking their toll, and with Neymar set to be 38 by the 2030 World Cup, this tournament is almost certainly the fourth and final World Cup appearance of his storied career.
Manuel Neuer, Germany
Widely regarded as the most revolutionary goalkeeper of his generation and one of the greatest shotstoppers in the history of the sport, 40-year-old Manuel Neuer came out of football retirement to earn a spot as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for 2026. As German head coach Julian Nagelsmann noted recently, Neuer’s aura and presence within the squad is irreplaceable, even after nearly two years away from international football. This will be Neuer’s fifth World Cup appearance, and his first since Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, giving fans one final chance to watch the German legend between the posts on the global stage.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
Widely considered the greatest Egyptian footballer of all time, and one of the finest to ever emerge from Africa, Mohamed Salah rose to global superstardom during his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he won nine major club honors. Now 33, past the peak of his physical powers, and coming off a disappointing season that culminated in his departure from Anfield, this tournament will only be his second World Cup appearance, and very likely his last. Egypt is only competing in its third ever World Cup, and while expectations are tempered, Egyptian fans still pin their hopes on their beloved number 10 to lead them to their first ever World Cup knockout stage victory.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
As the standout playmaker of Belgium’s celebrated “Golden Generation” that emerged on the global stage in 2014, Kevin De Bruyne has continued to deliver elite performances for both club and country. The Napoli midfielder, who turns 35 later this month, is set to make his fourth and almost certainly final World Cup appearance. De Bruyne’s creative vision and passing accuracy will be critical to Belgium’s hopes of a deep tournament run, and he will be determined to lead his side to a memorable final chapter for the nation’s Golden Generation.
Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 next month, is no longer the all-dominant center-back that led Liverpool to a Champions League title and a Premier League title in consecutive seasons. With the Dutch national team expected to transition to a younger defensive line by the 2030 European Championship, this third World Cup appearance will almost certainly be his last. Even so, his leadership and experience remain invaluable to a young Dutch side looking to make an impact on the 2026 tournament.
Sadio Mané, Senegal
One of the most dynamic wingers of his generation, Sadio Mané heads to the 2026 World Cup seeking redemption after a devastating leg injury forced him to miss Senegal’s 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar. Now 34, the Senegalese all-time leading goalscorer with 53 international goals, is past the peak of his career, which included successful spells at Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Mané was a key part of Senegal’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, a match that was ultimately replayed following a mid-game protest from Senegal. Mané has already stated that the 2023 AFCON was his last major continental tournament, making this third World Cup his final appearance on the global stage, even if national staff have not given up hope of convincing him to extend his international career.
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa joins the exclusive club of Ronaldo and Messi as one of only three players in history to compete at six different World Cups. The veteran shotstopper, who turns 41 next month, had not been called up to the Mexican national side for years, but earned his spot in the squad for the 2026 tournament, which is co-hosted by Mexico. Famous for his match-winning performances in past World Cup campaigns, Ochoa will retire from professional football after the tournament ends, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers in Mexican football history.
For all these legendary players, the 2026 World Cup is more than just another tournament: it is a final chance to add new glory to already legendary careers, and a poignant farewell to the global stage that made them household names across the world.