The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered the knockout stage, and for several of football’s biggest stars, the tournament could mark their final appearance on the sport’s grandest stage.
Having represented their countries across multiple World Cups, these veterans are looking to end their international careers on a high.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history. Portugal’s captain remains the most-capped men’s international player with 231 appearances and 145 goals. Although he has won almost every major trophy in football, the FIFA World Cup title still eludes him.
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Competing in his sixth World Cup, Ronaldo has become the first player ever to score in six different editions of the tournament. He has now netted 10 goals in 25 World Cup matches. After scoring twice against Uzbekistan, the Portuguese superstar declared, “I’m back,” as Portugal continue their quest for World Cup glory.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has continued to shine despite already achieving his lifelong ambition of winning the World Cup in 2022. At 39, the Argentine captain now holds the record for the most World Cup goals with 19 and has also registered eight assists.
Messi has scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches and remains one of only two outfield players, alongside Ronaldo, to feature in six World Cups. With two Golden Ball awards and a World Cup winner’s medal, he has already secured his place among football’s greatest players.
3. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic victory over New Zealand, ending the nation’s 91-year wait for a World Cup win. The 34-year-old contributed both a goal and an assist in the landmark victory.
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This is Salah’s second World Cup after Egypt failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament. He has now recorded three goals and two assists in five World Cup appearances. Egypt’s next match against Australia could see them progress to the Round of 16.
4. Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané has played a major role in Senegal’s rise on the international stage. Before his emergence, Senegal had appeared at only one World Cup, but they have since qualified for three consecutive tournaments.
The 34-year-old scored his only World Cup goal in 2018 and missed the 2022 finals through injury despite helping his country qualify. Senegal’s clash with Belgium could determine whether they reach the knockout stage and may also represent Mané’s final World Cup appearance.
5. Luka Modrić
Croatia captain Luka Modrić continues to impress despite turning 40. He recently became the oldest player to provide an assist at a FIFA World Cup and has featured in 22 World Cup matches across five tournaments.
Since making his World Cup debut in 2006, Modrić has guided Croatia to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s greatest footballers.
6. Manuel Neuer
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned from international retirement to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup. Although his performances have attracted criticism, his legacy remains firmly intact.
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The 40-year-old won both the FIFA World Cup and the Golden Glove award in 2014 and has made 23 World Cup appearances since 2010. Germany’s elimination in the Round of 32 does little to diminish his remarkable international career.
7. Neymar Jr.
Neymar remains one of Brazil’s most influential players despite battling injuries in recent years. His finest World Cup came in 2014, when he scored four goals before a serious back injury ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.
He added two goals in both the 2018 and 2022 editions, while Brazil exited in the quarter-finals on each occasion. The 34-year-old has now accumulated eight goals and four assists in 14 World Cup matches, and his emotional return against Scotland highlighted his determination to compete at the highest level.
8. Kevin De Bruyne
Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is taking part in his fourth FIFA World Cup at the age of 35. Despite Belgium’s talented generation falling short of major success, De Bruyne has consistently delivered for his country.
He has scored in three different World Cups and registered four assists in 16 appearances. Belgium’s meeting with Egypt will decide whether they remain in contention for the title.
9. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk’s World Cup experience has been limited after the Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old defender has established himself as one of the world’s finest centre-backs.
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After losing to Argentina in the 2022 quarter-finals, the Dutch were eliminated by Morocco in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32 despite Van Dijk opening the scoring. The tournament could prove to be his final World Cup appearance.
10. Son Heung-min
South Korea captain Son Heung-min saw his country’s World Cup campaign end in the group stage. The 33-year-old was left out of the starting lineup for the team’s final group match after failing to score during the tournament.
Despite the disappointing exit, Son remains South Korea’s all-time World Cup leader in both goals (three) and appearances (13), having represented his country in four World Cup tournaments. However, South Korea have not matched their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.