Roger Milla (foto: Getty Images)
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Edin Džeko headline a historic World Cup, where experience will define the final chapter before a new era begins.
As Roger Milla once said, football belongs to youth, but the 2026 World Cup will tell a different story.
The tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will bring together not only the next generation, but also some of the greatest players of the modern era in what is expected to be their final appearance on the biggest stage.
Global tensions once again form part of the background, continuing a pattern seen in recent tournaments held in Russia and Qatar. Still, the focus on the pitch remains clear.
A tournament shaped by legends
This edition of the World Cup will stand out for a rare moment in football history, where several iconic players continue to lead their national teams well into their forties.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the defining figures of the last two decades, are expected to appear at the tournament for the final time.
They are not alone.
Luka Modrić and Edin Džeko will also arrive at the competition at the age of 40, while Ronaldo has already turned 41.
All three remain central figures for their national teams, highlighting the unusual balance between experience and longevity at this level.
Chasing history and closing a chapter
The tournament could also produce a new historical benchmark.
The current record for the oldest outfield player at a major tournament is held by Roger Milla, who made his final appearance at the age of 40.
That record is now under threat, with multiple players set to match or surpass it.
The continuity between generations is also striking.
Modrić and Ronaldo both played at the 2006 World Cup, underlining the extraordinary length of their careers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Džeko, were not present at that tournament, adding further context to their journey.
The end of an era
The 2026 World Cup is set to mark the closing chapter of one of football’s greatest generations.
After this tournament, a shift toward a new era will become inevitable, as the sport transitions from its long-standing icons to a new wave of global stars.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on those who defined the game for nearly two decades, preparing for one final stage.