Top 10 players who could be playing in their final World Cup in 2026 ft. Ronaldo & Messi

Many players are going to make their debut, and for some, it could be their last dance!

A total of 48 teams are going to be a part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be the edition with the largest number of squads (so far) competing in the competition.

Three countries, including the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico, are going to host the mega competition. Even after ongoing geopolitical tensions, the FIFA World Cup is most likely to proceed as it is.

Many young players will be excited. They will be eager to hopefully play their part and get to compete in the biggest competition of all. But there are some players who could be playing in their last ever FIFA World Cup.

The top stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and other big names are most likely to be playing their final edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Players who could be playing at their final World Cup in 2026

Player	Team
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal
Lionel Messi	Argentina
Neymar	Brazil
Luka Modric	Croatia
Robert Lewandowski	Poland
Virgil van Dijk	Netherlands
Mohamed Salah	Egypt
Kevin De Bruyne	Belgium
Son Heung-min	South Korea
Harry Kane	England

10. Harry Kane

The Bayern Munich forward is on a sensational run of form. He will be ready to lead his side in the attacking front for the England national football team. Harry Kane is 32 years old at the moment, and by the next World Cup, he will turn 36.

The Englishman might hang up his boots for the national team by then.

9. Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min is going to be a crucial asset in the final third for the South Korea national football team in the upcoming edition of the mega competition. He currently plays for MLS side Los Angeles FC. The 33-year-old has done well for his country over the years.

This might be the last-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup he is going to feature in.

8. Kevin De Bruyne

The midfield sensation is now 34 years old and has recently returned from an injury. Kevin De Bruyne plays for the Serie A side Napoli and is also a crucial asset in the midfield for the Belgium national football team. He has produced many top performances for his club and country.

Looking at his age, the 2026 edition of the mega competition could be the final one.

7. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has not been in his best form this season. He is still considered one of the most promising wingers to ever play football. The Liverpool forward will be looking to make a comeback, which is most likely going to be his final edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Salah is 33 years old now and will at least lead the Egypt national football team in the attacking front in this edition.

6. Virgil van Dijk

Considered as one of the best defenders of this era, Virgil van Dijk has been an important part of both Liverpool and the Netherlands national football team. For years, he has been one of the main men in the defensive backs for both his club and country. He is 34 years old at the moment and will cross 38 by the next edition of the mega competition.

His age will make it harder for him to stay consistent until then.

5. Robert Lewandowski

Despite not being very consistent with his performances, Robert Lewandowski has delivered some much-needed contributions for both his club and country. Even though the Polish national football team is not yet qualified for the upcoming edition of the World Cup, he makes the list because of the statistics he has accumulated over the years. If Poland qualify, this could be the last World Cup he participates in.

He is 37-years-old at the moment.

4. Luka Modric

The midfield ace is now 40-years old, and this is most likely to be the final edition of the mega competition he is going to be a part of. Luka Modric still plays in Europe and is keeping up with the young guns at the moment. He is a crucial asset for both AC Milan and the Croatia national football team.

The Vatreni have qualified for the World Cup and are placed in Group L.

3. Neymar

Some sources say it is already over for Neymar. Anyhow, he still has a chance to be named in the squad for the Brazil national football team. He has not been named in the squad for the recent friendlies, but the 34-year-old will be looking to put all his efforts into being part of the team at the World Cup.

If he does, it is more than likely to be the last dance for the Santos star.

2. Lionel Messi

Leo Messi led the Argentina national football team to win the FIFA World Cup 2022. He has been named in the squad for the March international break as well. He has been in decent form for Inter Miami lately and will be ready to serve his national team on the biggest stage of them all for the one last time.

The Argentine great is already 38 years old.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese talisman hasn’t been named in the Portugal squad for their recent friendlies. It was only because of his minor hamstring injury. As per head coach Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo will be ready to lead the Portugal national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He has nearly won all the major trophies in his career except the World Cup. The 41-year-old CR7 is expected to play a crucial part in his final edition of the mega competition.

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