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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a historic moment for international soccer as the tournament expands and arrives in North America. For several of the sport's most recognizable stars, however, the competition could also represent their final opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in global soccer.
A number of players who have defined the international game over the past two decades are approaching the latter stages of their careers. By the time the tournament kicks off in 2026, many will be nearing the end of their time with their national teams, making the event a possible final chance to chase the most prestigious trophy in the sport.
Among the players facing that reality is Kevin De Bruyne, whose career has been closely tied to the rise of Belgium national football team's so-called Golden Generation. Since making his World Cup debut in 2014, De Bruyne has served as the creative centerpiece of the Red Devils' midfield. His influence was especially evident during the 2018 tournament, when Belgium finished third and produced its best World Cup performance in history.
Mané has some unfinished business
For Sadio Mané, the World Cup has been filled with unfinished business. The star forward helped guide the Senegal national football team back to the tournament in 2018, only for the team to suffer a heartbreaking group-stage exit decided by fair play points. Four years later, an injury forced Mané to miss the 2022 competition just before it began.
Few players have built a World Cup legacy as remarkable as Luka Modric. The captain of the Croatia national football team led his country to the 2018 final and followed it with a third-place finish in 2022, establishing Croatia as one of the most resilient teams in international soccer. If Modric participates in 2026, he would be around 40 years old, making the tournament a potential closing chapter for one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation.
The spotlight will also fall on Neymar, who has carried the expectations of the Brazil national football team for more than a decade. Since his first World Cup in 2014, Neymar has experienced both extraordinary performances and painful eliminations. Brazil continues to pursue a sixth World Cup title, and the 2026 tournament could represent Neymar's final opportunity to lead his country to that milestone.
James and Salah want to take their country to the promised land
James Rodríguez remains one of the most memorable players of the 2014 tournament. Representing the Colombia national football team, he captured the Golden Boot and produced one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history with a volley against Uruguay. Injuries and changing roles have made his appearances less consistent in recent years, but now Rodríguez has one last chance to perform on the same stage where he first rose to global prominence.
For Mohamed Salah, simply returning to the World Cup would be meaningful. The Egyptian star helped the Egypt national football team end a 28-year absence by qualifying for the 2018 tournament. That appearance remains his only World Cup experience so far. As the leading figure in Egyptian football, Salah could see 2026 as his final opportunity to represent his country at the tournament.
Son Heung-min has already left his mark on three World Cups with the South Korea national football team. One of his most memorable moments came in 2018 when South Korea defeated Germany in a stunning upset that eliminated the defending champions. As captain and attacking leader, Son remains central to the team, but 2026 may represent the final World Cup of his international career as a new generation emerges.
Defensive leader Virgil van Dijk could also be approaching his last opportunity. The captain of the Netherlands national football team helped guide his country to the quarterfinals in the 2022 tournament. Known for his leadership and defensive stability, van Dijk would be 34 in 2026, making the event a likely final attempt to deliver the World Cup title that has eluded the Netherlands.