The last World Cup of the icons who defined an era
The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 11 and July 19, will be the last for legendary footballers who have defined an era. Among the most illustrious names are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modrić. The Argentine will turn 39 during the tournament, the Portuguese will be 41, and the Croatian 40. It is highly unlikely that they will reach another World Cup.
Ahead of the tournament, many fans are already reviewing the best options for betting on the World Cup, comparing the best bonuses, checking odds, and looking at which apps offer the most complete experience to follow the championship from anywhere.
The twilight of the Gods: Messi, CR7, and the end of an era
But above all stands Messi. The Argentine superstar is undoubtedly the best footballer of the 21st century and one of the greatest in football history. In this World Cup, taking place in North America, he will play his sixth tournament. A record-breaking player who, if he manages to win a second consecutive title, will bid farewell to international football with God-like status. Many predictions already place him among the favourites, and you can see the full analysis in our football predictions for the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, has established himself as the top goalscorer of this century, the only footballer capable of rivaling Messi. His trophy cabinet is also outstanding, but one piece is missing: the World Cup. If he manages to win it, it would be the perfect ending to a legendary football career. For those who want to get ahead of what might happen in the tournament, it is also interesting to use the World Cup simulator, which allows users to project possible matchups and outcomes.
The veteran presence in ‘La Roja’: The dilemma of renewal
Regarding the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente’s decision to not call up Álvaro Morata or Dani Carvajal almost certainly spells the end of their World Cup dreams. Following the Euro 2024 triumph, the World Cup was the only major title missing from their illustrious honours list, after having won everything at club level. In what is a very youthful Spain squad, there are a few over 30s who might feel the pressure at this tournament.
Aymeric Laporte, 32, will feel this is his last realistic opportunity to win the World Cup, while time is also not on the side of captain Rodri (30), Marcos Llorente (31) and Fabián Ruiz (30).
Modrić’s endless resistance
As mentioned earlier with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić is another legend of the game who will likely play his last major tournament at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He may even retire from football after the World Cup, with his future at AC Milan still not defined. With an outstanding trophy collection, including a runners-up medal at the 2018 World Cup, Modrić represents the old guard that has delivered countless nights of high-quality football to fans around the world.
Conclusion: The transition toward the generation of Lamine Yamal and Gavi
And as in every major tournament, especially a World Cup, the 2026 edition will also be the one that crowns the new generation of footballers. If 2010 saw Spain’s Iniesta and Xavi conquer the world, and 2018 saw Mbappé announce himself as a star to stay, in this World Cup all eyes around the globe will be on Lamine Yamal. It is worth remembering that the Barcelona star is still a teenager, and that two years ago he already helped Spain win Euro 2024. In the 2026 World Cup, he could establish himself as the king of world football.
