Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and other football legends are preparing for what will likely be their final World Cup appearance together.
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The countdown is almost over. With only days remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fans are preparing for one final dance from some of football’s greatest names.
Many teams arrive with young stars ready to define the next era. Others still trust experience.
And this year’s tournament could mark the final World Cup appearance for several players who shaped modern football.
If experience alone decided tournaments, this team might still be unbeatable.
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)
The veteran goalkeeper remains the oldest player expected at the tournament and continues extending one of football’s longest international careers.
Defense
Yuto Nagatomo (Japan, 39)
Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina, 38)
Michael Boxall (New Zealand, 37)
Tim Ream (United States, 38)
This defensive line combines leadership, international experience, and more than enough World Cup memories.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal, 36)
Axel Witsel (Belgium, 37)
Luka Modrić (Croatia, 40)
Modrić remains the headline act.
At 40, the Croatian legend continues rewriting expectations and enters another major tournament after already building one of football’s greatest international careers.
Attack
Lionel Messi (Argentina, 38)
Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 40)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 41)
Few front lines in football history carry this much legacy.
Messi and Ronaldo defined an era for nearly two decades. Džeko continues scoring long after many expected him to slow down.
The end of a football generation
The 2026 World Cup feels different because it likely closes one chapter forever.
Players such as Messi, Ronaldo, Modrić, and Džeko are not simply veterans. They are symbols of an era many supporters grew up watching.
Ten years ago, this lineup might have terrified every opponent.
Today, they arrive carrying experience, leadership, and one final chance to leave another mark on football history.