With the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar approaching, the quadrennial tournament provides a platform for some of the globe’s biggest stars to compete for a chance to represent their country in a tournament like no other....CONTINUE READING
However, some stars could be playing in their final tournament due to how old they’ll be for the next World Cup in 2026.
1. Lionel Messi
It’s already been confirmed by the man himself – Qatar will be his last. Messi will go down as not just one of the best football players to ever take the field but one of the best athletes of all time.
Messi is currently 35 years old and will be 39 in four years, so now is the moment for Argentina to make a run so “La Pulga” can hoist the World Cup trophy for the first time.
He has appeared in four World Cups prior to this: 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
As if it couldn’t get any worse for football fans, Ronaldo is also a possible name on the list. He has yet to confirm if Qatar will be his last World Cup, but he turns 38 and will be 42 when 2026 rolls around.
The World Cup is also empty on his stacked resume, so let’s see if Portugal, who should also have a strong squad, can make history. Ronaldo has also appeared in the four World Cups prior to 2022.
3. Luis Suarez
Controversial moments in World Cups but always a threat in front of goal, Suárez may also be competing in his last tournament in Qatar. He’ll turn 36 in January and 40 by 2026, so Uruguay might have him available one last time. He played in the 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions.
4. Robert Lewandoski
One of the best strikers of this generation, Lewandowski is another one to watch. He made his first appearance in the World Cup in 2018, but is currently 34 years old and will be turning 38 in August of 2026, which will be around the time of that tournament if Poland qualifies.
5. Karim Benzema
A possible winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or, Benzema is turning 35 this December. He’ll be 38 in 2026, but France has a bevy of young up-and-coming strikers who likely will replace his spot in the squad. Benzema has only played in one World Cup, which came in Brazil in 2014.
6. Manuel Neuer
Germany is known for producing quality goalkeeper after quality goalkeeper, and Neuer will go down as one of the best shot-stoppers to ever do it. He has played in the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, which Germany won in Brazil. Neuer turns 37 in March next year and would be 41 in 2026.
7. Gareth Bale
This is Wales’ first World Cup appearance since 1958, so naturally 2022 will mark Bales’ first appearance. However, it might also be his last. He will turn 37 by the time the 2026 World Cup starts, if Wales is to qualify for a second straight time.
8. Luca Modric
Modrić just turned 37 in September, so he’d be 40 in 2026. The Croatian maestro has appeared in three World Cups: 2006, 2014 and 2018.
The latter is the one he’s most known for, as Croatia made an improbable run to the final before falling to France. That year, Modrić was awarded the Ballon d’Or for his performances internationally and with Real Madrid in Spain.
