Soccer Stars Who Could Play Their Last World Cup in 2026

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19th and is being hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In every World Cup, there is a generational transition in soccer, with some older star players making their last appearances while a younger generation looks to put their stamp on the international stage. 

The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the world, and Argentina is the defending champion. Brazil has won the most World Cups with five, but has not won since 2002. Germany and Italy have won it four times, but Italian soccer has fallen on hard times, as this summer will mark the third straight time they have not qualified for the tournament. 

The World Cup this summer is the first to be hosted by three nations and the first with the expanded format of 48 teams from 32. Like the 32-team format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will advance to the knockout phase. However, eight of the top 12 third-place teams will also advance. 

Why the 2026 World Cup Could Mark the End of an Era

The World Cup always sees the aging generation of top players, and that is even more so in 2026. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both likely to make their last World Cup appearance, and both players are in the conversation for the GOAT (greatest of all time). 

Many aging players struggle to cope with the physical demands of international soccer. The World Cup qualifying process is long and involves training and travel time. This is on top of the regular season at the club level. The travel issue comes into play more if a player is not playing in a club in their home continent, such as Messi playing in the MLS in America. 

The World Cup always sees a transition to younger talent. World Cup qualifying offers countries a valuable opportunity to scout younger talent through qualifying matches and friendlies. 

Legendary Players Who Could Make Their Final Appearance

Here are some legendary players whose 2026 World Cup may be their swan song for the tournament. 

Lionel Messi 

• Messi is a 38-year-old forward from Argentina, who many see as the greatest of all time.
• He has set a slew of records, including the most Ballon d'Ors (best player of the year), the most goals in the World Cup (13), and the most goals in a calendar year (91). Argentina won the 2022 World Cup with Messi at the helm, earning the Golden Ball (best player) for the second time. 
• Messi will turn 39 during the World Cup this summer and is still playing at a high level, currently ranked third in MLS (Major League Soccer USA) in goals, playing for Inter Miami. 

Cristiano Ronaldo

• Cristiano Ronaldo, from Portugal, has also been touted as the GOAT, and the forward has won the Ballon d'Or five times. He is the only player to have scored 100 goals for four clubs, holds the records for most goals and assists in the Champions League and European Championships, and has the most goals (country and club) of all time. 
• Ronaldo is 41 years old and currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabian league, where he reportedly makes €200 million per year. He led Portugal to its only trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016 and, in the last World Cup in Qatar, became the first player to score in five World Cups. 

Luka Modric 

• The 40-year-old Croatian midfielder who currently plays for AC Milan has had a stellar career both at the club and international levels. He led Croatia to an improbable runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and to third place in 2022. Interesting fact – He won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, being the only player besides Messi or Ronaldo to win the award from 2008 to 2021. 

Manuel Neuer 

• The 40-year-old German goalkeeper is a longtime Bayern Munich player who has won many awards and was the goalkeeper when Germany won the 2014 World Cup. 

Kevin De Bruyne 

• The star from Belgium is 35 and still playing at a high level at the international level and at Napoli. However, he is dealing with a serious thigh issue and may be forced to miss the World Cup. 

Thiago Silva

• The Brazilian is currently at FC Porto and seen as one of the best defenders of his generation. He looks to help Brazil end their World Cup dry spell, not having won since 2002. 
  

Veteran Stars Still Competing at a High Level

While the newer generation will be a focal point for teams at the World Cup, veteran leadership is always vital. While the star players we listed above are still key players for their national teams. However, it remains to be seen if they can maintain their performance this summer. 

So are the veteran stars still playing at a high level? Well, for the two players in the GOAT conversations in Messi and Ronaldo, they are, but with an asterisk. After starring at some of the bigger clubs in Europe, each now plays for a club not at the top of the heap, with Messi in the MLS and Ronaldo in the top league in Saudi Arabia. 

Still, according to the current betting odds at most sports betting sites in Canada, Messi has the third-best odds to win the Golden Boot this summer, while Ronaldo has the sixth-best. 

Modric had a solid campaign with AC Milan this season, after winning numerous trophies during his time with Real Madrid. He started 32 of 34 matches this season, and while his season is over after a cheekbone injury in his last match, he is expected to be back for Croatia this summer. 

Neuer, Silva, and De Bruyne, who is injured, are still playing at a high level for their clubs, all major European ones. 

Players Who Might Miss Out Before 2026

As mentioned before, De Bruyne is currently out with a major thigh injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be available for Belgium this summer. 

Modric recently underwent surgery to repair a fractured cheekbone and, while he is out for the rest of the AC Milan season, he is once again expected to captain the Croatian team. 

There has been a lot of speculation on whether former PSG and Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. would be playing in his fourth World Cup. Injuries have mounted up in the last couple of years and he has not represented Brazil since 2023. He is currently injured, and recent reports have come out that Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti would not add him to the final World Cup roster. 

Here are some key players who have been ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries: 

• Hugo Ekitke – France – Forward 

• Xavi Simmons – Holland – Midfielder 
• Rodrygo – Brazil – Forward
• Eder Militao  – Brazil – defender 
• Serge Gnabry – Germany – Forward 
• Luis Angel Malagon – Mexico – Goal 

Teams with the 10 best betting odds to win the FIFA World Cup as of early May

The impact of veteran players retiring always has an impact on betting for the World Cup. However, as stated before, even the veteran stars that are likely playing in their last World Cup still feature prominently on their teams. Out of all of the players we listed, all of their teams, with the exception of Mocric’s Croatia, are in the top 10 in terms of betting odds to win the tournament. 

Speaking of Modric, while Croatia had magical World Cup runs as a smaller nation in 2018 (runner-up) and 2022 (third place), they are more of a long shot this summer. Even with Modric still on the squad, many veterans from their Golden Age have retired, altering team dynamics. 

Fans can expect a blend of emerging stars and veteran leadership this summer, and bettors need to focus on team dynamics and injury issues before wagering on a match. 

Here are the teams with the 10 best betting odds to win the World Cup as of early May: 

• Spain - 6.00
• France – 6.50
• England – 7.50
• Argentina – 9.00
• Brazil – 9.00
• Portugal – 13.00
• Germany – 15.00
• Holland – 21.00
• Norway - 26.00
• Belgium – 35.00 

Final Thoughts

The World Cup always sees a generational shift as key players age and retire, and a younger generation comes in. One thing is certain: soccer is unpredictable, which is why fans keep an eye on the latest free bets and betting bonuses throughout the tournament. For example, Brazil looked to have a strong chance to end their World Cup drought, and while they are still formidable, the injuries to Eder Militao and Rodrygo, who each will not play, are a big blow.

This summer’s World Cup, with more teams and three host nations, is shaping up to be a classic. It may also be the last time we see the two players in the GOAT conversation, in Messi and Ronaldo, playing in the biggest tournament in the world.