Jersey Number: #10

34 Titles, Four-time Champion League Winner, Six-time of European Golden Shoes, two-time FIFA best men’s player (2019 & 2009), three- time best player in Europe (2015, 2011, 2009), twenty-two times best goal scorer

Messi himself in an interview in Qatar about the World Cup Messi said “This will be my last World Cup — for sure. The decision has been made. I am counting down the days to the World Cup. There is a bit of anxiety and nerves at the same time.” But things do change the World Cup outcome could push him to play one more time, but at that time he would be 39 years old, so it is unlikely.

Jersey Number: #7

Ronaldo in September said he wasn’t ready for retirement he even stated, “I’m in a national team with a lot of youngsters. I want to be in the World Cup and at Euros. I want to make that commitment now.” Later he said he wants to retire at 40 and by the next world cup he would be 41. So, his retirement is still up in the air.

Jersey Number: #10

Many wondered if this World Cup was Neymar’s last since he has stated before that he is mentally and physically exhausted. He is only 30 which means he can still play at least two more world cup making his last one when he is 38. Recently after his loss against Croatia he was asked if this was his last world cup he said, “It’s too early to say that. I’ve no clear ideas yet — I can’t guarantee anything” Meaning we might see Neymar play again in the World Cup.

Jersey Number: #10

Modric seemingly stated that this World Cup would be his last in an interview with FIFA he said, “I’m aware that I’m of a certain age and that this is my last competition in the Croatian national team,”

Jersey Number: #9

FIFA Club World Cup Winner, Champion League Winner, five-time Spanish Champion, Footballer of the year Winner

Jersey Number: #3

Silva has not said he will not play in the next World Cup, but he did say, “Sadly, as a player I am not going to get to lift this trophy. Who knows if in future I will get the chance in another role.” He is 38 which means the next World Cup he will be 42 and it is unlikely he will play in the World Cup again.

Jersey Number: #13

Many think that this World Cup will be Ochoa’s last since he is 37 and has been playing since 2006. But according to TUDN he might be playing in 2026 since Mexico is one of the host countries for the next World Cup and him playing again would bring in more sponsors. So, there is still hope Ochoa will play again.

Jersey Number: #5

This will likely be Nagatomo’s last World Cup since he is 36 and by the next World Cup he will be 40 so it is unlikely he will return.

Jersey Number: #1

Neuer has not ruled out appearing in future World Cups although he will be 40 by the next one. In an interview with Sports Illustrated he stated, “You never know. I assume that it will be the last World Cup for me, but it doesn’t have to be like that,” which means he may return in 2026.

Jersey Number: #5

Busquets is 34 which means he has a good chance of playing in another World Cup when he is 38. Others that are involved with his team want to see him play again one said, “I do not agree it will be his last World Cup,” the Spain boss said. “My objective is to convince him to play another one.” There is still a chance Busquets will play again.

Jersey Number: #18

It is unlikely that Guardado will return in 2026 for the World Cup he has stated in an interview that it would be hard for him to return to the World Cup as a player, but he would still support Mexico’s team.

Jersey Number: #21

This will most likely be Cavani’s last World Cup due to his age and recent injuries. There has not been much said about Cavani’s retirement, but it will most likely happen.

(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

Jersey Number: #25

Müller apparently confirmed he would not play in the World Cup again he said, “If this was my last game, it was a huge pleasure. We experienced incredible moments together. In every game, I tried to leave my heart on the pitch. I’ve done it with love” He would be 37 in 2026 which means he could play again, but its improbable.

Jersey Number: #13

Alves has confirmed he will not return for the 2026 World Cup after his loss against Croatia. He talked to reporters after the loss and stated, “This World Cup was my last one, for me it’s time to say that,” it will be sad to see Alves go.

Jersey Number: #7

Hazard has retired from international fútbol career he said, “A page turns today… Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.” So, he will not be returning for the 2026 World Cup.

Jersey Number: #18

Alba has stated that this would be his last year in the world cup. He said, “Qatar 2022 will be my last world cup. I’m arriving at a very good moment and hoping for the coach’s list to try and win another World Cup.” This means we will not see Alba in the future World Cups.

Jersey Number: #1

Lloris has not said he is retiring, and he is still playing greatly so he might not be ready to slow down anytime soon. He is 35 and by 2026 World Cup he will be 39 so he still might be able to play in the next one playing at 39 years old is not unheard of.

Jersey Number: #9

Giroud does not seem to have intents on retiring from playing internationally. He is 36 and will be 40 by the 2026 World Cup so it is still unclear if he will play in the next World Cup even though it seems he has intentions to play again.

(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

Jersey Number: #11

Di Maria has said he won’t be playing internationally after Qatar’s World Cup but will still play at club level.

Jersey Number: #3

Pepe will probably not be playing in the 2026 World Cup he is currently 39 and will be 43 by the next World Cup. So it is not likely he will play in 2026 this is probably his last World Cup.

Jersey Number: #3

It is unclear if Godín will play in the 2026 World Cup, but due to his age and recent reactions to losing against South Korea. By 2026 he will be 40 so it is unlikely he will play again. Also, Godín, Suarez, and Cavani are being charged by FIFA for their reactions to the loss. With those Factors its improbable we will see Godín in the World Cup’s future.

(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

Jersey Number: #22

It is not clear whether Yoshida will play in another World Cup but since he is only 34 he might play in one more. It is likely he will play again, but it is safer to wait from confirmation from Yoshida himself.