The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, may serve as the final curtain for some of the greatest footballers of the modern era.
At the top of the list are Lionel Messi (39) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41), two icons whose rivalry has defined football for over a decade. Both are expected to make their final appearances on the world stage.
Other legendary names who could retire after the tournament include Luka Modrić (40), Robert Lewandowski (37), and Manuel Neuer (40), all of whom have enjoyed illustrious careers at both club and international level.
Meanwhile, seasoned stars such as Thiago Silva, Ángel Di María, Olivier Giroud, Sergio Ramos, and Luis Suárez may also hang up their boots following the competition.
For many fans, the 2026 World Cup will not only be about crowning a champion but also about bidding farewell to a golden generation of footballers who have inspired millions across the globe.
