10 Football Legends Who Could Be Playing Their Last World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is almost here, and for some of the greatest names in the history of football, it could mark the end of an era. Several players who have defined the sport for the past two decades are now in their late 30s or early 40s, and this tournament may well be their final appearance on the biggest stage. Here are ten legends who could be saying goodbye this summer.

Lionel Messi

There is something poetic about Messi joining Inter Miami in 2023, with the 2026 World Cup being held just down the road. At 38, he has nothing left to prove now, a seven-time Ballon d’Or holder and a World Cup winner, and still the heartbeat of Argentina. Manager Lionel Scaloni has built the entire team around keeping him free and dangerous. Another World Cup trophy in 2026 would be the perfect ending to the greatest career.

Cristiano Ronaldo

While Messi's story has its fairy-tale ending, Ronaldo is still chasing his. The World Cup remains the one prize that has eluded him, and at 41, this is almost certainly his last shot. Fortunately, the Portugal squad around him may be the strongest he has ever had. Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Neves are all in top form. His best World Cup finish remains a third-place showing from 2006. Can he finally go further?

Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer revolutionised the goalkeeper position with his sweeper-keeper style and was central to Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph. Now 39 and returning from injury battles, his place in the squad is no longer guaranteed. But if he features in 2026, it would be a fitting farewell for one of the true icons of the game. A rebuilding German side could certainly use his experience and leadership.

Luka Modric

Croatia's greatest-ever player, Modric, led his nation to the World Cup final in 2018 and to third place in 2022. Now in his 40s and reportedly considering retirement after this tournament, he carries a nation's hopes once more. Croatia may be ageing, but they remain unpredictable and dangerous, as plenty of opponents have learned the hard way.

Guillermo Ochoa

Every four years, Ochoa turns up at the World Cup and delivers. This will be his sixth appearance, the same as Ronaldo and Messi in tournaments attended. He may face competition from Raul Rangel for the number one spot, but his importance to Mexico cannot be understated. As a co-host nation, Mexico will have enormous support and a genuine chance to go deep.

Neymar

Few careers have been as brilliant yet as frustrating as Neymar's. The 2014 tournament was his, until a brutal foul ended his campaign, and Brazil subsequently suffered that devastating 7-1 defeat to Germany without him. Injuries have dominated his story ever since. His participation in 2026 is still uncertain, but if he does take to the field, it will be a welcome bonus for a nation that has never stopped believing in him.

Kevin De Bruyne

Belgium's golden generation promised so much and never quite delivered. De Bruyne was their standout performer across tournaments, contributing goals and assists, but the team consistently fell short of expectations. With 2022 ending at the group stage, this is his final chance to right that wrong. Belgium remains a credible dark horse, and when De Bruyne is at his best, anything is possible.

Mohamed Salah

Salah's exit from Liverpool felt like the closing of a chapter, both for club and country. Egypt faces a tough group in 2026, but a match against New Zealand offers a real chance at their first-ever World Cup win. At 33, Salah remains their most important player, and this tournament is likely his last shot at leaving a mark on the world stage beyond club football.

Sadio Mane

Mane missed Senegal's best-ever World Cup in 2022 through injury and is determined to make up for lost time. At 34, he still brings quality and leadership, and Senegal is again being mentioned as a potential dark horse. With his Champions League and AFCON pedigree, Mane gives his country the belief that something special is possible.

James Rodriguez

The 2014 Golden Boot winner is back after missing 2022 through injury, and he remains Colombia's most creative force. He led all CONMEBOL qualifiers in assists, ahead of even Messi, and has ten goal contributions across eight World Cup appearances. At 34, the stage may be set for one final moment of magic from a player who has always saved his best for this tournament.

This 2026 World Cup feels like a genuine farewell for some of the finest footballers. Whether it ends in glory or heartbreak, watching these legends perform one last time is something every football fan should cherish.