The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is shaping up to be much more than a global tournament — it could be the final international stage for a generation of football superstars. With several high-profile players nearing their late 30s and early 40s, many nations might see the expanded 48-team World Cup as the perfect stage for farewell appearances, with some choosing to retire after 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it a heartfelt “last dance” for seasoned veterans.
Fans and media worldwide are already searching for the list of players who will retire after the 2026 World Cup, making this event a major focal point for legacy stories, career retrospectives, and debates about national team succession plans.
Equally significant is the possible conclusion of the era-defining rivalries that fueled international football for nearly two decades. The legendary Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry, along with the unforgettable Ronaldo vs Messi vs Neymar and Messi vs Neymar battles, brought unmatched intensity, viewership, and energy to every international window.
These rivalries didn’t just define matches — they defined generations of fans. While reports and fan speculation suggest a potential Portugal vs Argentina clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only time will tell what moments await.
What is certain, however, is that the 2026 World Cup promises memories that fans will cherish forever — moments that could mark the final chapter of football’s greatest rivalries and close an unforgettable era in international football history.
Beyond the emotional farewells, retirements after the 2026 World Cup will have real tactical and roster consequences for top national teams. Losing long-serving leaders will create gaps in experience and leadership that managers must address — accelerating youth integration, reshaping midfield cores, and redefining attacking roles.
Top 10 Football Players Expected to Retire After 2026 World Cup
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Check out the updated list of players expected to Retire After 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring confirmed international farewell plans, along with their ages, roles, and what it could mean for their national teams.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – Age 41 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 9/10 – CONFIRMED
- Status: Portuguese captain, Forward at Al Nassr
Official Confirmation: Cristiano Ronaldo has explicitly confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final major international tournament before retiring completely within one or two years.
Legacy Impact: At age 41, Ronaldo will be competing in his sixth World Cup appearance. The tournament represents his final chance to capture the only major trophy missing from his collection.
What’s Next: Portugal is preparing for a generational shift with João Félix expected to take on larger attacking responsibilities.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Age 39 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 9/10 – HIGHLY LIKELY
- Status: Argentine captain, Forward at Inter Miami
Current Position: Lionel Messi has remained circumspect about definitive retirement plans but hasn’t ruled out 2026. However, sources suggest he “harbours that desire to play at the World Cup 2026” to defend Argentina’s 2022 championship.
Legacy Impact: After winning the World Cup in 2022, Messi achieved his lifelong dream. The 2026 tournament presents a natural conclusion to his international career.
Quote from Luis Suárez: His former Barcelona teammate suggested Messi still desires to compete at 2026.
3. Luka Modrić (Croatia) – Age 40 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 9/10
- Status: Croatian captain, Midfielder at AC Milan
Current Situation: The legendary midfielder recently transferred to AC Milan from Real Madrid. At 40 years old, 2026 represents his final opportunity to lead Croatia on the world stage.
Legacy: Modrić won the 2018 World Cup runners-up title and has mentored the next generation of Croatian talent.
What’s Next: Croatia is developing young talents like Josip Juranović and Mateo Kovačić to take over creative midfield responsibilities.
4. c Lewandowski (Poland) – Age 37-38 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 9/10
- Status: Polish captain, Striker at Barcelona
Impact: One of the world’s finest strikers, Robert Lewandowski, will be competing in what many expect to be his final World Cup.
Legacy: Multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner seeking his last chance at World Cup glory.
5. Neymar Jr. (Brazil) – Age 34 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 7-8/10
- Status: Brazilian forward, recently returned to Santos and Renews with Santos FC
Current Challenge: Persistent injury problems have plagued Neymar throughout his career, including his time at PSG and Saudi Arabia.
Reports: Multiple sources suggest the 2026 World Cup will be his last international tournament for the Brazil National Football Team.
6. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) – Age 40 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 9/10
- Status: Mexican goalkeeper and veteran of multiple World Cups
Legacy: One of Mexico’s most iconic goalkeepers seeking a final tournament appearance. Guillermo Ochoa is widely recognized for his performances in multiple FIFA World Cups for the Mexican Football Team.
7. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) – Age 34-35 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 8/10
- Status: Belgian midfielder at Napoli
Impact: De Bruyne has carried the expectations of the Belgium National Football Team for over a decade. The 2026 World Cup offers an opportunity to “close his international journey with calm rather than pressure”.
8. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) – Age 34-35 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 8/10
- Status: Dutch defender and captain of Netherlands
Legacy: Virgil van Dijk is a centre-back who captains both Premier League side Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. The world-class defender is now weighing his international future after years of competing at the highest level.
9. Casemiro (Brazil) – Age 34 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 8/10
- Status: Brazilian midfielder at Manchester United
Contract Timing: Casemiro’s Manchester United contract expires in 2026, aligning perfectly with the World Cup timing.
What’s Next: Brazil is transitioning to younger midfielders like João Gomes, marking Casemiro as expendable.
10. Son Heung-min (South Korea) – Age 33-34 in June 2026
- Retirement Probability: 7/10
- Status: South Korean forward and national team leader
Legacy: Son Heung-min is a forward for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC and the captain of the South Korea national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian players of all time, he is a true football icon with a promising international future.
List of Top Players Who Will Retire After 2026 FIFA World Cup
| Rank | Player | Country | Age in 2026 | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 41 | Forward | 9/10 |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 39 | Forward | 9/10 |
| 3 | Luka Modrić | Croatia | 40 | Midfielder | 9/10 |
| 4 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | 38 | Striker | 9/10 |
| 5 | Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | 40 | Goalkeeper | 9/10 |
| 6 | Neymar Jr. | Brazil | 34 | Forward | 7-8/10 |
| 7 | Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | 34 | Midfielder | 8/10 |
| 8 | Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | 34 | Defender | 8/10 |
| 9 | Casemiro | Brazil | 34 | Midfielder | 8/10 |
| 10 | Son Heung-min | South Korea | 34 | Forward | 7/10 |
Other Notable Players Potentially Retiring
- Sergio Ramos (Spain) – Age 40, exploring AC Milan move for potential 2026 World Cup appearance
- Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – Veteran striker considering international retirement
- Thiago Silva (Brazil) – Veteran defender approaching career end
- Ángel Di María (Argentina) – Argentine winger veteran
- Olivier Giroud (France) – French striker legend (already retired from national team but may return)
Why 2026 FIFA World Cup Represents the Perfect Farewell
Narrative Completion: For Messi and Ronaldo, defending and building upon World Cup glory provides emotional closure.
Contract Alignment: Several players’ club contracts expire in 2026, making international retirement timing natural.
Age Factor: At 39-41 years old, many players physically cannot sustain performance levels beyond 2026.
Legacy Opportunity: The North American tournament offers a final stage for these legends to bow out gracefully.
Historical Significance of 2026 Retirements
The simultaneous retirement of Ronaldo, Messi, Modrić, and Lewandowski would represent the end of an era that has dominated global football since the early 2000s. These four players alone have won:
- 5 Ballon d’Or awards (Messi)
- 5 Ballon d’Or awards (Ronaldo)
- 1 Ballon d’Or award (Modrić)
- Multiple World Cup finals appearances
Football Legends & 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a watershed moment for global football, as legendary players who have defined the sport for two decades prepare for potential retirement. Whether Cristiano Ronaldo finally captures his elusive World Cup trophy, Lionel Messi completes his World Cup redemption arc, or Luka Modrić leads Croatia one final time, June-July 2026 will witness football’s most iconic generation bidding farewell to the international stage.
The tournament will be remembered not just for crowning a new World Cup champion, but for honoring the extraordinary careers of the players who have captivated global audiences and transformed the beautiful game.
Which football players are expected to retire after the 2026 World Cup?
Several legendary players are expected to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Thomas Müller, and Ángel Di María, depending on fitness and international commitments.
Will Neymar retire after the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar has not officially announced retirement, but the 2026 World Cup is widely expected to be his final international tournament, making it a likely farewell stage for the Brazilian superstar.
Which football players are retiring in 2026?
Many senior players may retire in 2026, especially those aged 35+, as the World Cup often marks the end of international careers. Final decisions will depend on form, injuries, and national team selection.
Will Lionel Messi retire after the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi has not confirmed retirement, but if he plays in World Cup 2026, it is expected to be his last international tournament with Argentina.
What was the FIFA World Cup 2016 final?
There was no FIFA World Cup in 2016. The major tournament that year was UEFA Euro 2016, where Portugal defeated France in the final.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play the 2026 World Cup with his son?
While it remains a popular fan theory, it is highly unlikely that Cristiano Ronaldo will play alongside his son at the 2026 World Cup, as his son would still be very young at senior international level.
What was the last FIFA Club World Cup?
The last traditional FIFA Club World Cup was held before FIFA introduced the expanded new Club World Cup format, which will debut with a larger tournament structure starting in the mid-2020s.
