Cristiano Ronaldo, who just turned 40, Lionel Messi, 37, and Neymar, 33, could make the 2026 World Cup their final World Cup , with just 16 months to go. The 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico is the biggest ever – but it remains uncertain whether the sport’s three biggest stars, Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar, will still be playing.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi will be 38. Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Neymar, who recently returned to his boyhood club Santos, will turn 34.

Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of retiring

Striker Ronaldo looked like he had played his last World Cup as he left the pitch in tears after Portugal’s quarter-final defeat to Morocco more than two years ago. He was left out of the squad for the second successive match amid questions over whether Portugal would be more effective in attack without the veteran striker in the starting line-up.

Now, it looks like Ronaldo, who just turned 40, could be in line to play in the 2026 World Cup and become the first player in history to play in six World Cups. Ronaldo scored five goals in five appearances for Portugal in last year’s UEFA Nations League and continues to score regularly for Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s career total now stands at 923 and is on track to reach 1,000 by the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo has recently boldly declared himself the “most complete player” of all time and said he has no plans to retire anytime soon.

“I love competition so much that sometimes I forget what I have achieved,” Ronaldo said. “Playing regularly gives me the motivation to do more and do better every year. I think that’s what makes me different from others. A player in my position left football 10 years ago. I’m different, period.”

Lionel Messi may retire from the national team after the 2026 World Cup

Messi, 37, has said that the 2022 World Cup, where he led Argentina to glory, could be his last. However, as 2026 approaches, the possibility of Messi continuing to play for his country is increasing.

Messi has a huge draw in the United States, playing in MLS for Inter Miami from 2023, and even at 38 he is sure to be a key player as Argentina bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Coach Lionel Scaloni has recently hinted that eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi would like to play in the 2026 World Cup.

“What needs to be said is that Messi and his teammates are aware that there is still a lot of time. I know that Messi, like everyone else, wants to play in the World Cup,” coach Scaloni said. “We will have to wait and see how things develop. Messi knows what we are thinking and what we want for the 2026 World Cup. He is an intelligent person.”

Neymar returns strongly

The Brazilian is the youngest of the famous trio of Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar but in some ways his future at the 2026 World Cup is the most uncertain. The 33-year-old has suffered recurring injuries in recent years, making just seven appearances for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

Neymar recently returned to his boyhood club Santos and has stated his intention to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals but endured a difficult 2022 World Cup, suffering an early injury and then a mental breakdown following the quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.

Neymar has not played for the national team since October 2023 due to injury, but he has shared his determination to regain his best form: “I don’t think the preparation for the World Cup will start next year, because we have been warming up for a long time. Since my injury, I have always focused on returning to play and wearing the Brazilian national team shirt. I spoke to coach Dorival, and he even called me to congratulate me. I want to put all my strength into returning and defending the colors of the Brazilian national team.”