Saying goodbye is hard. Soccer fans will likely have to get used to it this summer.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature many of soccer’s most iconic figures, from Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr.
Though previous World Cups have been touted as their last, this year truly does feel like the last dance for many stars. It won’t be the final time they touch the soccer pitch due to club-level participation, but it likely will be their last hurrah on the grandest stage of them all.
So, which marquee players will likely close out their World Cup chapters in North America? Let’s take a look:
Lionel Messi, Argentina
After winning the 2022 World Cup to solidify himself as the sport’s GOAT, Messi will be aiming for a triumphant repeat. Argentina’s squad carries many familiar faces from the last run, which is both good and bad. But La Pulga will turn 39 during the tournament, and it’s difficult seeing him returning at age 43.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s longtime rival, is seeking his first ever World Cup title to attempt to reignite the GOAT debates. Fortunately for him, Portugal is loaded with the best talent he’s played with. But at age 41, how much can he effectively contribute to a winning run? Only time will tell.
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Neymar Jr., Brazil
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the conversation involving the world’s premier soccer players for years. Brazilian star Neymar Jr. has usually been the third player to be mentioned. But unlike those two, he’s struggled to maintain his fitness and just barely made the squad this year. The 34-year-old will likely be a super-sub to make an impact.
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Luka Modric, Croatia
One of the finest midfielders of his time, Luka Modric has been influential to Croatia’s modern growth. Modric led his nation to the 2018 World Cup Final before mounting another surprise run to the semifinals in 2022. The 40-year-old will need to turn back the clock for another run, but he’s used to surprises.
Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands
One of the best center-backs of all time, Virgil van Dijk leads a well-rounded Dutch side that has the talents to embark on a deep run. It’s something the soon-to-be 35-year-old will hope to add to his resume as international trophies have been a missing department.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Belgium has evolved from a dark horse to a regular outside contender in recent decades. Kevin De Bruyne has been the face of it for several years now. One of this era’s best all-around midfielders, he turns 35 later in the month and will hope to offer the ballstriking and gamebreaking talent needed to take his country up. Goalie Thibaut Courtois, 34, is another possible candidate, though goalies can usually last even longer, as well as striker Romelu Lukaku (33).
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Mo Salah, Egypt
The Pharoahs are not World Cup regulars, with 2026 being only their fourth appearance on the big stage. But Mo Salah is the key reason why they have two since 2018. Egypt failed to advance from the group stage that year, and while that could happen again as Salah turns 34 during the tournament, it’s been an incredible ride for one of Africa’s best ever talents.
Sadio Mane, Senegal
Speaking of star African talents, Sadio Mane leads a Senegal attack that could be one of the true dark horses of the tournament. Mane doesn’t have the speed and athleticism he did in his prime, but the 34-year-old is still a relentless forward to deal with and he’ll hope to have his say as more youngsters step up.
Riyad Mahrez, Algeria
Moving northeast, Riyad Mahrez leads an Algerian side that is back in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. More youth talents are coming up, but it’s not yet known if any will have the peak prime years Mahrez did during his time with Leicester City and Manchester City. The 35-year-old, silky left-footed right winger will be one to watch.
Son Heung-min, South Korea
Now with LAFC in MLS, South Korea’s greatest product in Son Heung-min will turn 34 during the tournament. He crafted his reputation at Tottenham as a lethal two-footed finisher. Though his speed and agility have slightly evaporated, him being played as a striker closer to goal is still a major threat.
Manuel Neuer, Germany
In a surprise reversal, Manuel Neuer returned to international football despite hanging up the cleats with Germany. Most of it has to do with a lack of a star replacement, while the 40-year-old can still hang with the very best like he did for many years at his peak. Antonio Rudiger, 33, is another possible candidate who is losing his key athletic traits.
Outside names to consider
Harry Kane, England: Kane, one of England’s most notable stars, is 32. Though he’s never been the most athletic, his game might not translate well by the time he’s 36 in four years. England has several talents coming up that may make Kane’s tendency to drop deep unneeded.
Marquinhos, Brazil: The Paris Saint-Germain mainstay has been a reliable presence for Brazil in the backline, but he’ll be 36, as well, in four years. Can he maintain his key traits? Veteran midfielder Casemiro is also one to watch.
N’Golo Kante, France: Despite his small stature, Kante dominated most midfields during his peak and will likely be a crucial presence for Les Bleus at 35 years old.
Granit Xhaka, Switzerland: Now 33, one of Switzerland’s best ever products might be in his last World Cup, too. A German league “Invincible,” Xhaka has been an underrated midfield controller his entire international career.
James Rodriguez, Colombia: The breakout star of the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez has struggled to stay fit at the top level and will turn 35 in July.
Enner Valencia, Ecuador: One of South America’s most underrated strikers, Valencia is 36 for this tournament and will still be an important piece for Ecuador’s dark horse chances.
Edin Dzeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina: One of Europe’s underrated classic traditional strikers, Dzeko is back representing his country at 40 years old. He was also on the 2014 squad when the nation last qualified.
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