The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be more than just the biggest tournament in football history. With 48 teams, 1,248 players and matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it could also serve as a farewell stage for some of the greatest footballers the sport has ever seen.
The tournament is expected to feature a record eight players aged 40 or above, surpassing the combined total from all previous 22 World Cup editions. For several veteran stars, the 2026 edition could be their final appearance on football's biggest stage.
