The farewell of a generation of legends is imminent: the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup could mark the final chapter for some of the greatest names in the history of the sport. Messi, Ronaldo, Salah, among others, are preparing for a goodbye that promises to move fans around the globe and close a golden era of world football.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, nine world-class players are preparing for what will likely be their last major international stage. Lionel Messi, currently 38 years old and a central figure for Argentina, has already won the most coveted trophy but does not hide his desire to add another star to the Argentine emblem. Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 at the next tournament, sees this as his last chance to win the trophy that has eluded him and to respond to critics who place him behind Messi in the debate over the “greatest of all time.” Mohamed Salah, who has just bid farewell to Liverpool, will attempt to lead Egypt to an unprecedented victory in World Cup matches. Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, Sadio Mané, Neymar, Guillermo Ochoa, and James Rodríguez complete this group of stars who have already made history on the world’s pitches.
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The potential exit of these legendary names from the world stage marks a turning point for football. For many of them, the 2026 World Cup emerges as the last opportunity to cement their legacy or redeem less fortunate episodes from the past. In Messi’s case, his triumph in 2022 has already secured him a place in the pantheon, but he himself stated, upon his transfer to Inter Miami in 2023, that “the location of the World Cup was one of the factors that weighed in the decision.” As for Ronaldo, despite having won the European Championship, he continues to pursue the only title that eludes him. “This is probably my best moment to win the World Cup,” said the Portuguese captain after qualification, emphasizing the quality of the current squad, which features Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and João Neves.
The context could not be more dramatic for the teams involved. Argentina, with a still decisive Messi and a system built around him by Scaloni, enters as one of the favorites. Portugal, under the guidance of Roberto Martínez, seeks to overcome the barriers of the quarter-finals and finally grant Ronaldo global recognition. “We have a generation capable of anything,” said Bruno Fernandes in the Nations League, reinforcing the Portuguese ambition. Meanwhile, Salah’s Egypt faces a tough group, but the forward does not hide his dream: “I want to make history for my country,” he declared in an interview during the farewell at Anfield.
Modric, now in his 40s, carries Croatia on his back and recently confessed that “this could be my last major tournament.” The same applies to Kevin De Bruyne, a key player for Belgium, who has failed to secure the full potential of the “golden generation,” yet still harbors the ambition to surprise. “We still believe,” assured the Manchester City midfielder after qualification. Sadio Mané returns to the World Cup after the misfortune of 2022, determined to lead Senegal beyond the quarter-finals. Neymar, despite injuries, has been called up by Ancelotti and could add the final sparkle to his international career, although doubts about his actual physical condition persist. “If I can help, I will always be available,” the Brazilian stated recently.
Guillermo Ochoa, the legendary Mexican goalkeeper, is set to make history by participating in his sixth World Cup, matching records and reinforcing his status as an icon. James Rodríguez, who missed the 2022 tournament due to injury, returns to the Colombian national team with the aim of repeating his achievements from 2014, where he was one of the standout figures of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a stage for intense emotions and significant farewells. The departure of these players will leave a difficult void to fill, but it also opens the door to a new generation of talent. For now, all eyes will be on the coming months: will Messi secure another trophy? Will Ronaldo finally achieve total recognition? Who will be the heir to this global throne? One thing is certain: the world will be watching closely to witness the closing of an unparalleled chapter in football history.
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