2026 World Cup: 7 greats likely heading for their final tournament
As the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico approaches, seven modern greats of the game are widely seen as likely nearing their final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Age, injuries and the natural end of a golden generation mean this edition could be the “last dance” for them at World Cup level. The list includes Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who will be 39 and arrives as defending world champion and the player with the most World Cup appearances and 13 goals to his name. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, has already said 2026 will be his last World Cup, where he could become the first player to feature in six tournaments if selected. Croatia’s Luka Modric, who led his country to the 2018 final and 2022 third place, would be 40 and is expected to use 2026 […]