They say time spares no one, and in the world of soccer, although memories are eternal, its stars are no exception to this rule. With just under 70 days to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, anticipation for the tournament is growing as the opening ceremony approaches; however, so too are the nostalgia and sadness brought on by the potential farewells of several players.
Stars who have defined the last two decades may not only be participating in one more edition, but this could also be their final tournament.
2026 World Cup: The Last Dance for These Legends
For several years, numerous players have established themselves as undisputed icons of soccer and their national teams, playing matches, winning awards, and earning the love of their fans.
However, all signs point to the 2026 World Cup-the first to feature 48 teams and hosted across three countries (Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.)-also being a transitional tournament where these legends will attempt to write a new and final chapter in their careers.
The Liverpool forward will not only leave the team at the end of this season, but he may also be leaving behind his brief World Cup journey. His only experience came in 2018, when Egypt returned to the tournament after a 28-year absence. Now, the 33-year-old star faces his second and final chance to achieve glory.
His time with the Croatian national team is already etched in gold. Runner-up in 2018 and third in 2022, the midfielder was the driving force that defied all logic and propelled the team among the world’s powerhouses. His talent and leadership keep him among the elite, but by 2026 he will be 40, and all signs point to this being the ideal stage for his final World Cup dance.
- Son Heung-min (South Korea)
The 33-year-old captain of South Korea will lead the team in what is likely to be his fourth and final World Cup, having left memorable moments in his three previous appearances, such as the victory over Germany in 2018. After securing qualification in June 2025, Son could bring his World Cup career to a close in North America.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Portuguese star announced some time ago that this will be his final World Cup. He would thus bid farewell to the tournament as the first player in its history to make six appearances and, if he scores, the first to do so across that many editions. However, beyond his individual records, this will be his last chance to win the trophy he has been chasing since 2006.
Although he has not yet officially confirmed his participation, if he does, he would join CR7 as one of only two players to have participated in six World Cup editions. Leo is the player with the most games played (26) and 13 goals, three goals behind the all-time leading scorer, Miroslav Klose. In addition, Messi arrives at the tournament with the mission of defending the title he won in 2022, when he made history against France in Qatar.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
His name has stood out in Belgium’s golden generation since his arrival in 2014. Having achieved a historic third-place finish at Russia 2018, following the Qatar 2022 cycle and with Belgium in transition, the 34-year-old midfielder is another of the great icons who have stood the test of time. His talent remains intact, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark the definitive end of his career.
The icon of the Canarinha since 2014 has carried the weight of being the team’s leader. However, on October 17, 2023, he suffered a knee injury and has not played for the national team since. If he is 100% physically fit and Carlo Ancelotti decides to include him on the roster, Ney could play in his final World Cup.
Some have already tasted glory, while others continue to chase that elusive title, but they all share the same goal: to go out on top. Because if soccer has taught us anything, it’s that the greats don’t go down without a fight, and in 2026, the world could witness the final dance of the 21st-century giants.
