2026 World Cup farewells arrive as the tournament opens in North America, and for several of soccer’s biggest stars this expanded 48-team event looks set to be a final curtain call.
These pages review their past World Cup highlights and outline what each player could still achieve in what many expect will be their last appearances on the sport’s biggest stage.
2026 World Cup farewells: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, Argentina, 38
Career highlight: Messi sealed a long-sought World Cup title at the 2022 final in Lusail, scoring twice in a penalty shootout win over France, according to FIFA’s match report.
What to expect in 2026: FIFA records list Messi with 26 World Cup appearances and 13 tournament goals heading into 2026; he needs three more to match Miroslav Klose’s record of 16, according to FIFA statistics. Even if he cannot play every minute, his presence gives Argentina a major boost, and analysts at ESPN say Argentina will remain one of the contenders if they avoid early clashes with other heavyweights.
2026 World Cup farewells: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, 41
Career highlight and regret: Ronaldo has scored in five consecutive World Cups, a feat documented by FIFA, but he has not found the net in World Cup knockout wins. Match reports and postgame coverage by Reuters noted his emotional exit after Portugal’s 2022 quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
What to expect in 2026: If Portugal top their group and Argentina also advance, the two rivals could meet as early as the July 11 semifinals, a matchup that Reuters and AP have flagged as a global television draw. For Ronaldo, this tournament is widely framed by commentators as the last chance to erase the two major gaps in his World Cup résumé, scoring in a knockout victory and lifting the trophy.
Luka Modrić, a final chapter
Luka Modrić, Croatia, 40
Career highlight: Modrić broke the long Ballon d’Or duopoly held by Messi and Ronaldo and has been central to Croatia’s deep World Cup runs, including a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022, as noted in FIFA tournament archives.
What to expect in 2026: Now 40 and recently recovering from a facial injury, Modrić remains Croatia’s tactical hub and emotional leader, according to Croatia national team statements. Drawn into a so-called “group of death,” Croatia faces a difficult path to repeat past success, but this fifth World Cup for Modrić will mark a distinguished finale to an influential international career.
Neymar and Brazil’s pursuit
Neymar, Brazil, 34
Career highlights and setbacks: Neymar’s World Cup history mixes brilliant moments with significant injuries and near misses. FIFA match reports cite his 2014 tournament injury and the dramatic 2022 extra-time goal that helped force penalties, where Brazil ultimately fell to Croatia.
What to expect in 2026: Under the tactical framework some analysts compare to the systems favored by top club coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil brings a blend of veteran leaders and younger stars like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, according to team announcements. Many Brazilian football commentators call 2026 Neymar’s best remaining chance to complete Brazil’s sixth World Cup title and close his international chapter with the trophy.
Guillermo Ochoa, the veteran goalkeeper
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico, 40
Career highlight: Known for spectacular saves against stronger opponents, Ochoa earned international acclaim for his performance against Brazil in 2014, a match widely covered by international press including the BBC and The Guardian.
What to expect in 2026: This tournament will mark Ochoa’s sixth World Cup, a milestone that equals the participation totals of Messi and Ronaldo, according to FIFA player records. Mexico are not pre-tournament favorites, but coaches and analysts quoted by ESPN say Ochoa’s experience is Mexico’s clearest asset for advancing from the group stage.
Final note: These players will be among the most watched names at the 2026 World Cup, and broadcasters including FIFA, FOX, and the BBC are preparing feature packages on their careers. As tournament coverage begins, fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and competitive intensity as these likely farewells play out on the North American stage.