Photo by Wikimedia Commons 2.0
Representing a national team at a World Cup remains the pinnacle in the careers of many footballing legends and having an impact on a major tournament is every player’s dream.
Father time however comes to everybody and with World Cups played every four years, players have to be realistic and mindful of how many they can play in during their career.
Once players turn 30, most are looking towards their final World Cup tilts, as they seek their place in footballing folklore.
Some of the biggest names in football will be looking to bow out in style in Canada, Mexico and the United States and the best World Cup betting sites will all be looking to get a piece of the action, as these all-time greats make their last World Cup appearances.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could yield the end of an era for some icons of the game and here are some veterans that look set to be playing in their last World Cup:
Lionel Messi – Age: 38 – Argentina
A modern day footballing world without Lionel Messi is very difficult to imagine but the all-time great looks unlikely to still be playing for Argentina in four years’ time.
Now plying his trade for Inter Miami in the MLS, there is no doubting how influential the great man is, and he is very prevalent in most World Cup 2026 betting guides.
As holders, Argentina know they have it all to do this time around in Canada, Mexico and the United States but with Messi in their ranks, they are seen as amongst the favourites for glory again with many World Cup betting sites and experts.
Winning the trophy in 2022 will always be the iconic moment in Messi’s career but how he would love to go out on a high here in 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Age: 41 – Portugal
The other iconic player of the past 20 years, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution to global football has been nothing short of extraordinary.
A true icon of the game, who has pushed boundaries throughout his career, Ronaldo remains a key part of a Portugal side, that are looking to get the World Cup monkey off their backs.
Similarly to his old foe Messi, Ronaldo is playing in Saudi Arabia, with the league not seen as competitive as many in Europe, yet when he pulls on the Portuguese jersey, he is still able to influence games.
Competing at the highest level at the age of 41 would be beyond most people but with Ronaldo, anything is possible and he will be desperate to make a telling contribution here at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Luka Modric – Age: 40 – Croatia
The influence of Luka Modric on Croatian football can never be truly outlined, and the little maestro will be desperate to play a part in another successful team.
While not amongst the favourites with many World Cup 2026 betting odds generators, Croatia have finished second and third at the last two World Cup tournaments, with Modric a key cog in the operation.
Speed has never been part of his game, making his influence in central midfield utterly priceless and his performances for AC Milan this term have underlined his credibility at this level.
A broken cheekbone at the end of the Serie A season is far from ideal preparation for Modric for his final World Cup but he will be determined to have his say and bow out from the international stage in style.
Kevin de Bruyne – Age: 34 – Belgium
Few players in world football have the creative influence of Kevin de Bruyne and his impact on Belgian football has been seismic.
Having won the lot in club football with Manchester City, he left the Etihad to join Napoli in the summer of 2025, with a hamstring injury limiting his appearances.
However, he has been in a desperate race to get fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he will be captaining Belgium in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Being fully fit will be his optimal challenge it seems but as a linchpin in a potentially dangerous side, Kevin de Bruyne will be out to prove his worth once more in international tournament football.
Neymar Jr – Age: 34 – Brazil
The most expensive player in the history of football, Neymar Jr, looks to have one more realistic shot at World Cup glory with Brazil here at the 2026 incarnation of the tournament.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are bang in the mix for many pre World Cup odds creators and whether Neymar Jr makes his final squad of 26, remains to be seen.
However, there is no doubting the mercurial talent that is Neymar Jr, who has spearheaded Brazilian football for the past decade.
With no World Cup win since 2002, there is plenty of pressure on this Brazilian outfit, but Neymar Jr is one of the true superstars in the ranks and he will be chasing an epic swansong in his career here in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Mohamed Salah – Age: 33 – Egypt
The summer of 2026 promises to be one of change in the life of Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian could be playing in his last World Cup for his beloved nation.
His only appearance in the tournament came back in 2018, with Egypt limping out on their return to the world stage but Salah and his team mates look to be better equipped this time around.
With his contract at Liverpool being run down, following a successful decade on Merseyside, Salah will be able to put himself in the shop window at the World Cup and prove he still has it.
Representing his country has always been a great honour for Mohamed Salah and he will be desperate to go out in style here at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
