Like many editions before it, the 2026 World Cup marked the end of an era for legends who have dominated the sport for decades. Cristiano Ronaldo has already confirmed this edition as his final World Cup, even if an official international retirement is still pending.
The same curtain call awaits fellow veterans like Lionel Messi and Luka Modrić, who bid farewell to the global stage after Croatia’s Round of 32 exit against Portugal. At 39 years old, Messi is leading the defending champion in his record-extending sixth World Cup, which he has heavily implied will be his final major international tournament for Argentina.
Here is the list of stars who have already called time on their international careers.
Neymar bows out
Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer in the round of 16 games.
The occasion was bittersweet, with Brazil’s star scoring the single goal, a penalty kick that ultimately counted for a mere consolation.
Incidentally, Neymar’s final game happened on the very New Jersey field where he made his international debut back in 2010.
Neuer’s second international retirement
Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper, officially announced his retirement from international football after Germany’s surprising Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
This marks his second retirement from the national team; he had previously stepped away after the 2024 European Championship but returned for the World Cup to support younger players and provide experience.
Speaking to ESPN, Neuer, aged 40, expressed pride in representing Germany and emphasised that he had no regrets about returning for one final tournament, despite the bitter ending. Over his international career, he earned 128 caps, making him the fifth-most-capped German player and the last surviving member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
Other than the veteran custodian, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané, Antonio Rüdiger, Pascal Groß, and Oliver Baumann are all expected to have played their final matches for the national team
Meanwhile, Africa has also seen players calling time with their national teams; their tournament run came to a shocking halt.
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez leads the list.
The Saudi-based winger called time with Fennecs following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland on Friday, July 3, 2026, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning over a decade.
He was named the best African player in 2016 and led Algeria to AFCON glory three years later.
He plundered 40 goals and 45 assists in 119 international appearances.
