Veterans face final bow at 2026 World Cup as age and injury reshape squads
From Ronaldo’s pursuit of a record sixth appearance to Neuer’s retirement comeback, the 2026 tournament marks a generational shift for football’s oldest stars.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is poised to serve as the likely final major tournament for a generation of veteran footballers, as age and physical demands converge on the sport’s most enduring figures. With the tournament commencing on June 11, squads across the continent are grappling with the reality that several key players are heading into their final international acts.
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, and Lionel Messi, aged 38, are both set to make their record sixth World Cup appearances. Ronaldo, who has scored 30 goals in 37 matches for Al-Nassr this season and holds a national tally of 143 for Portugal, is the second-oldest player at the tournament, trailing only Scotland’s 43-year-old Craig Gordon. He remains focused on securing the one trophy missing from his career cabinet. Conversely, Messi’s participation is clouded by injury setbacks in the build-up, raising questions about his ability to withstand the gruelling schedule of an expanded tournament, despite his status as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer.
Other high-profile figures are also facing the twilight of their international careers. Luka Modric, 40, is heading to his fifth and final World Cup after undergoing cheekbone surgery, yet remains central to Croatia’s playmaking efforts. Similarly, Manuel Neuer, 40, came out of retirement to become Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for his fourth World Cup, a move described by coach Julian Nagelsmann as essential due to the keeper’s unique aura.
In South America, Neymar, 34, returns to the Brazil squad after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, though his place is not guaranteed due to fitness concerns. His potential retirement follows a career where he has become Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Meanwhile, Guillermo Ochoa, who will turn 41, is set to play in his sixth World Cup for co-hosts Mexico before retiring at the end of the tournament.
European and African sides are also seeing the end of an era. Mohamed Salah, 33, may be playing in his second and possibly final World Cup following a less dominant season at Liverpool. Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk, both 35, are heading to their fourth and third World Cups respectively, with age cited as a factor for potential retirement. Sadio Mane, 34, is also expected to retire after this tournament, despite previously stating his last Africa Cup of Nations appearance was his final international commitment.
