The 2026 World Cup may be the final stage for several of the world's biggest names in football. Here is a list of ten players who could well be making their last appearances.
Lionel Messi, 39 (Argentina)
Best achievement: Champion (2022)
Messi continues to break records even at 39, including becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 19 goals. This is his sixth World Cup appearance, having helped Argentina win the 2022 edition. Given his advancing age, this tournament is expected to be the legendary player's final stage.
Luka Modrić, 40 (Croatia)
Best achievement: Runner-up (2018)
Modrić remains Croatia's driving force even at 40. Having helped his country reach the 2018 final and finish third in 2022, he remains among the most influential midfielders in modern World Cup history.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 (Portugal)
Best achievement: Semi-final (2006)
Ronaldo is still chasing the World Cup title that has eluded him. With more than 230 international appearances and an extraordinary goal-scoring record, this is believed to be his last chance to end his international career with the biggest trophy in the game.
Manuel Neuer, 40 (Germany)
Best achievement: Champion (2014)
Germany's legendary goalkeeper has returned from international retirement to help his country. Although his current form has been inconsistent, Neuer remains an icon of Germany's 2014 triumph.
Neymar Junior, 34 (Brazil)
Best achievement: Semi-final (2014)
Neymar remains a key figure for Brazil despite frequent injuries. With 14 World Cup appearances and eight goals, the chance to end his career with a world title is still open.
Kevin De Bruyne, 35 (Belgium)
Best achievement: Semi-final (2018)
The Belgian star remains the team's driving force even though his country's golden generation has not achieved the success hoped for. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance.
Virgil van Dijk, 34 (Netherlands)
Best achievement: Quarter-final (2022)
The Dutch captain has played a crucial role in the team's resurgence on the international stage. However, his age and the squad cycle make this tournament likely to be his last.
Mohamed Salah, 34 (Egypt)
Best achievement: Group stage (2018)
Salah remains Egypt's main hope, including helping them secure a crucial win to qualify via the play-offs. However, his chances of reaching the next World Cup appear increasingly slim.
Son Heung-min, 33 (South Korea)
Best achievement: Round of 16 (2022)
The South Korean captain continues to make history as his country's all-time top scorer at the World Cup, but the team's inconsistent form raises questions about his future on the world stage.
Sadio Mané, 34 (Senegal)
Best achievement: Round of 16 (2022)
Mané remains an icon of African football and a key pillar for Senegal across several World Cup editions. As he ages, this could be his final appearance at the prestigious tournament.