List of Football Stars Who Retired After the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of international careers for many football stars. Several veterans announced their retirement from international football after the tournament.

This list includes players from Europe, Africa, and South America, ranging from World Cup winners to long-serving captains. Here are 10 notable players who have ended or announced their international careers after the 2026 World Cup.

1. Lionel Messi, Argentina

Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final. The 39-year-old is Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals. FIFA reported that Messi will play his farewell match for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.

1. Neymar, Brazil

Brazilian superstar Neymar also ended his international career after the World Cup. The forward made his Brazil debut in 2010 and played in four World Cups. After Brazil was eliminated, Neymar confirmed that his international journey was over.

1. James Rodríguez, Colombia

Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his international retirement on September 15, 2026. The 35-year-old played in three World Cups and leaves the national team as Colombia’s all-time leader in appearances, with 131, and assists, with 43. He is also Colombia’s leading scorer at the World Cup, with six goals.

1. Manuel Neuer, Germany

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old had retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned for the World Cup. Neuer’s career with Germany includes winning the World Cup in 2014.

1. Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also retired from international football after the tournament. Ochoa became one of Mexico’s best-known players during his career, which included several World Cup appearances. He had a brief appearance during Mexico’s 2026 campaign before receiving a farewell from teammates and fans.

1. Riyad Mahrez, Algeria

Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez retired from international football after Algeria was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Mahrez made his World Cup debut in 2014 and scored twice in the 2026 tournament before Algeria lost to Switzerland.

1. Édouard Mendy, Senegal

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his international retirement in September. The 34-year-old ended his Senegal career with 59 appearances and was part of the team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

1. Iñaki Williams, Ghana

Ghana forward Iñaki Williams announced his international retirement after Ghana lost to Colombia in the Round of 32. Williams finished his four-year international career with 28 appearances for the Black Stars.

1. Edin Džeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026, that he would retire from international football. The 40-year-old is set to play his final match for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden on October 2 in the UEFA Nations League. Džeko has been a key player in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s history and is the country’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker.

1. Seko Fofana, Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Seko Fofana announced his retirement from international football on September 14, 2026, at age 31. Fofana made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for the Elephants. He also played in the Côte d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations at home in 2024.