The 2026 FIFA World Cup is starting in just a few weeks and hundreds of players will be competing, looking to bring glory to their home country. For many players, winning the FIFA World Cup is the greatest honor that one can achieve, as it goes beyond personal satisfaction but brings joy to their entire country.
With the competition only being held once every four years, it is highly competitive and everyone can’t emerge victorious. Some of the sport’s biggest names will be taking the field this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, many of whom may very well be competing in the tournament for the last time. Some of the biggest stars that are likely playing their last FIFA World Cup this year can be found listed below.
Lionel Messi, Argentina
There is no doubt as to whether or not this is Messi’s last appearance in the tournament, as he confirmed that this will be his last time playing in the FIFA World Cup. Messi and Argentina won the 2022 rendition of the tournament and Messi could’ve retired as a champion, having already brought pride to his country, however, with the talent on their roster, Argentina has a chance to repeat.
Currently, ranked as the third best team in the world by FIFA, Argentina is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Messi holds countless records, including the most Ballon d’Ors and the most goal contributions in the sport’s history. Messi is an icon of the sport, a name that even people unfamiliar with soccer can recognize, which makes this tournament all the more memorable.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Often in competition with Messi, the two will battle one more time, with Ronaldo also confirming that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last one. Unlike Messi, Ronaldo has not yet been able to claim a FIFA World Cup title with Portugal and will be looking to do so this summer. Portugal is currently ranked as the fifth best team in the world, giving the team realistic odds to raise the trophy.
Throughout the duration of his 24-year career, Ronaldo has set various records, including the most goals by a player after turning 30, as well as becoming the first player to score 100 goals for four different clubs. Ronaldo’s legacy goes far beyond the soccer pitch, as he has established himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars and will hope to end his international career on a high note.
Neymar Jr., Brazil
Neymar Jr. was one of Brazil’s most electrifying players of the 2010s, becoming a household name in an era that was dominated by Messi and Ronaldo. Neymar’s time with Brazil in previous FIFA World Cups was ruined by injuries, as he was never able to lead the team to the success that it had found in previous decades. Neymar has outright stated that this will be his final FIFA World Cup, which he hopes to finally be the tournament that Brazil returns to the top.
Neymar was at the top of his game during the 2022 FIFA World Cup before his injury, which left many fans optimistic. Now, four years later, fans are hoping that he can return to his old ways and bring one last magical run to Brazil’s national team.
Luka Modric, Croatia
Croatia’s 40-year old captain is set to make his fifth FIFA World Cup appearance next month, which will be his last time playing in the tournament. Modric has had great success with Croatia, as he led the team to its first appearance in the tournament’s final match in 2018. He followed that up with a third place finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After several close calls, Modric and Croatia will look to get the job done this year.
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico
A World Cup appearance from Mexico without Guillermo Ochoa almost seems unfathomable, as he played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and has remained with the team since. Ochoa is set to participate in his sixth World Cup, further cementing himself as an icon in Mexican football.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Unlike many of the other names previously mentioned, De Bruyne is not guaranteed to be appearing in his final FIFA World Cup this year, however, it is a possible outcome. De Bruyne made his first appearance in the tournament for Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He helped lead the team to a third place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but was unable to make it past that point since.
This summer, De Bruyne and Belgium are heading into the tournament ranked as the ninth best team in the world. At 35 years old, this may very well be his last run with the team, which he hopes to find success in.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup prepares to kick off next month, some of the world’s best players will be taking the field, many of which will be coming to the Meadowlands, where eight games are being hosted. These players have left a legacy on the sport that will be felt long after their retirement and discussed for years to come. With so many all-time greats making one last push for greatness, it only adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament.
