The World Cup is the ultimate stage in international soccer. Very few players ever get the opportunity to appear in one, and even fewer leave a mark across multiple tournaments.
In 2026, several iconic names are expected to make their final appearance on the sport’s biggest stage. These players helped define an era through club dominance, international success, and unforgettable moments that shaped world soccer for nearly two decades.
Now, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, they prepare for one last run.
10. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, 35)
The Liverpool defender enters 2026 as the foundation of the Dutch national team. His physical presence, positioning, and command of the back line remain among the best in the sport.
After deep runs in recent tournaments, the Netherlands believes it can compete for a title again. Van Dijk’s composure and leadership will be critical to that pursuit.
This will likely be his last major international tournament.
9. Ángel Di María (Argentina, 38)
Di María already secured his place in Argentine history after scoring in the 2022 World Cup Final. Now back with Rosario Central in his hometown, the veteran winger still offers pace, creativity, and big-game pedigree.
Whether starting or coming off the bench, he represents a valuable piece for the defending champions. Few players understand tournament soccer better than Di María, and Argentina will lean on that knowledge again in 2026.
8. Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)
Few goalkeepers changed the sport the way Neuer did.
The German star revolutionized the position with his sweeping style, distribution, and command outside the penalty area. Though he previously stepped away from international duty, there is growing belief he could return for one final tournament appearance.
At 40, Germany would value not only his shot-stopping, but also the calm presence he brings to high-pressure matches.
7. Robert Lewandowski (Poland, 38)
Lewandowski is one of the most prolific scorers of his generation and, even approaching 40, still the focal point of the national team’s attack. The Poles will once again depend heavily on his finishing ability if they hope to advance beyond the group stage.
After departing Barcelona, Lewandowski appears fully focused on one final international push with Poland.
6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, 35)
The face of Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” De Bruyne continues to dictate matches with vision, passing range, and elite technical quality.
Now with Napoli, the Belgian midfielder remains one of the world’s top creators despite entering the later stages of his career. Belgium is transitioning toward a younger core, making De Bruyne’s presence even more important entering his fourth World Cup.
One moment of brilliance from him can still change an entire match.
5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 34)
Salah stands among the greatest African players the sport has ever seen.
His acceleration, finishing, and consistency made him a global star, while his status inside Egypt has grown into something even larger. Although Egypt regularly competes deep into the Africa Cup of Nations, World Cup success has been far more elusive.
That gives 2026 added significance.
Salah will enter the tournament hoping to finally deliver a defining World Cup run for his country before his international career winds down.
4. Luka Modrić (Croatia, 41)
Modrić continues to defy time.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner already led Croatia to a World Cup final and a third-place finish across the past two tournaments. Even at 41, he is the heartbeat of the Croatian midfield through his intelligence, passing precision, and control of tempo.
Few players in modern soccer have aged as gracefully as Modrić.
3. Neymar (Brazil, 34)
Neymar enters 2026 carrying both expectation and uncertainty.
Injuries disrupted much of the later portion of his career, but his return to Santos and the Brazilian national team has brought renewed optimism. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer still possesses the creativity and flair capable of unlocking any defense.
For Brazil, this tournament may represent the final opportunity to see Neymar lead the Seleção on the sport’s biggest stage.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina, 39)
After finally winning the World Cup in 2022, Messi no longer has anything left to prove internationally.
Even so, the Argentine legend is expected to return for one more go. While he no longer covers the ground he once did, his vision, passing, and understanding of the game remain unmatched.
Argentina will once again rely on Messi’s ability to control matches in key moments as it attempts to defend its title.
A second World Cup triumph would provide a remarkable closing chapter to the greatest international career of this generation.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 41)
Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup will almost certainly be his last.
The all-time leading scorer in men’s soccer history continues producing for both Al-Nassr and Portugal despite entering his 40s. While his role has evolved over time, his influence inside the squad cannot be overstated.
Portugal believes it has the talent to compete for the trophy, and Ronaldo’s leadership will be central to those hopes.
For many fans, 2026 represents one final opportunity to watch one of the sport’s defining figures compete on the world’s biggest stage.
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.
