One more summer

Every World Cup says goodbye to a generation, and 2026 could be the last act for several of the modern game’s defining players. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, a handful of veterans have one more chance to add to their legacy — fitness and selection permitting.

Names to watch

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who lifted the trophy in 2022, would be 38 by kick-off; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo would be 41. Croatia’s Luka Modrić, a Ballon d’Or winner and 2018 finalist, continues to defy the years. Whether or not all of them make it, their potential farewells give 2026 an unmistakable sense of occasion.

• Messi — chasing a fairytale title defence
• Ronaldo — hunting a first World Cup crown
• Modrić — Croatia’s midfield metronome

Why it matters

Veterans bring more than nostalgia. Tournament experience, leadership and big-game composure often decide knockout ties, and the expanded format rewards squads with depth and know-how. If these icons take the field one final time, expect every touch to be savoured by fans around the world.