The 2026 World Cup is the final tournament for a whole generation of legends, and one of them has already said so out loud.
For these players, it is the last chance at the one trophy that defines a career.
Here is who is playing their final World Cup, and how to catch them before the curtain falls.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the only one who has confirmed it
Ronaldo is the one star who has said it plainly. He told CNN in November 2025 that 2026 will “definitely” be his last World Cup.
His reasoning was simple: “I will be 41 years old.” He turned 41 in February 2026.
This is his sixth World Cup, and the only major trophy still missing from his collection. According to Goal, a Portugal win would make him the oldest player ever to lift the trophy.
You can follow Portugal’s team match schedules through the tournament with our guide.
Portugal Match at the 2026 World Cup: Full Schedule, Dates and Kick-off Times
Lionel Messi’s expected farewell
Messi has not made a formal retirement statement, but 2026 is widely expected to be his last World Cup. He has committed to a record sixth tournament at the age of 39.
He already has the prize Ronaldo wants, having captained Argentina to the title in 2022. This time he is the defending champion taking one last shot.
His MLS move to Inter Miami has kept his body fresh, and he opened the tournament in style. Messi remains the central figure of an Argentina side built around him.
Argentina Match at the 2026 World Cup: Full Schedule, Dates and Kick-off Times
The veteran keepers and midfield maestros bowing out
A cluster of 40-year-olds are playing what is almost certainly their last World Cup.
| Player | Country | Age | Why 2026 is likely their last |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Modrić | Croatia | 40 | Midfielder reportedly leaning towards retirement after his fifth World Cup; led Croatia to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022. |
| Manuel Neuer | Germany | 40 | Goalkeeper called back out of international retirement and named Germany’s No. 1 for his fifth World Cup. |
| Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | 40 | Keeper who returned after an injury to Mexico’s first choice; has hinted he will retire after a record sixth World Cup. |
| Edin Džeko | Bosnia & Herzegovina | 40 | Striker who dragged his country back to the World Cup for only their second appearance, per Goal. |
Modrić is also closing in on history. He sits on 199 caps and is one short of becoming just the fourth player to reach 200 international caps.
National-team icons likely playing their last
Beyond the 40-year-olds, a wave of mid-30s stars are widely tipped to never appear at another World Cup.
The clearest candidates, according to Goal’s “Last Dance” feature, are:
| Player | Country | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neymar | Brazil | 34 | Brazil’s all-time top scorer; made a dramatic late return to the squad after years of injuries. |
| Son Heung-min | South Korea | 34 (during tournament) | Captain who has already left Europe for LAFC in MLS. |
| Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 34 | Egypt’s talisman, expected to wind down his international career after one more global stage. |
| Sadio Mané | Senegal | 34 | The Al-Nassr forward, likely leading his country out at the World Cup for the last time. |
| Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | 35 | Now playing in Saudi Arabia; finally back at a World Cup after Algeria missed 2018 and 2022. |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | 35 (this month) | The last of Belgium’s “Golden Generation” still chasing the trophy. |
| Virgil van Dijk | Netherlands | 35 (during tournament) | The Dutch captain, at what is likely his second and final World Cup. |
| James Rodríguez | Colombia | 35 (in July) | The 2014 Golden Boot winner gets a fitting last chapter on the big stage. |
England’s Harry Kane is a notable exception. At 32 and in red-hot form, he could realistically continue to 2030.
How to catch the farewells live
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July. Matches are spread across 16 host cities in three countries.
For travellers planning to attend, the main hubs to base yourself in are:
- New York / New Jersey: Host of the final — track flights via Newark (EWR) and browse hotels in New York.
- Los Angeles: A West Coast base via LAX, with hotels in Los Angeles.
- Miami: The easiest US gateway from the Gulf, via Miami (MIA).
- Dallas: A central hub hosting several matches, via Dallas (DFW).
- Mexico City: A historic World Cup venue, via Mexico City (MEX).
- Toronto: Canada’s host city, via Toronto (YYZ).
From the Gulf, carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad run direct routes to most of these cities. You can compare options and search flights to New York on Wego.
To follow live schedules and any disruptions during the tournament, use the Wego flight tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Lionel Messi confirmed he is retiring after the 2026 World Cup?
No. Messi has not made a formal retirement announcement, though 2026 is widely expected to be his final World Cup. He committed to playing in a record sixth tournament at the age of 39.
Which player has actually confirmed this is his last World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He told CNN in November 2025 that 2026 will “definitely” be his last, citing the fact that he is now 41.
When and where is the 2026 World Cup final?
The final is on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The tournament opened on 11 June across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Who are the oldest players at this World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo (41) is the oldest, followed by a group of 40-year-olds including Luka Modrić, Manuel Neuer, Guillermo Ochoa and Edin Džeko. Several were called up specifically for one final tournament.
Sources
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 Hosts, Cities and Dates
- FIFA — New York New Jersey to Host the 2026 Final
- CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo Says 2026 World Cup Will ‘Definitely’ Be His Last
- Goal — The Last Dance: Veteran Stars Set to Play Their Final World Cup in 2026
- ESPN — World Cup Last Dance: Lionel Messi’s Epilogue to an Epic Argentina Story
- beIN Sports — The End of an Era: Luka Modrić Could Retire After the World Cup
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
