Top Players Likely Ending Their World Cup Journey

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Some senior international players have been knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in matches that might signal the end of their careers in this tournament.

The list includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Manuel Neuer.

The tournament is still going on, with the quarterfinals not yet completed.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s exit happened on Monday when Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas.

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the match in the 91st minute. Spain will face the winner of the United States’ match against Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Before the match, Ronaldo had said this would be his last World Cup.

He played 27 matches across six tournaments: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. This is the second-highest total in the history of the competition, behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has 30.

Ronaldo scored 11 goals in total, tied for ninth on the all-time World Cup scoring list. He became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament after netting against Uzbekistan in the group stage.

After the match, Ronaldo said he had no regrets. “I’ve given my all. I’ve won three titles with Portugal,” he said. He added that he sees Portugal’s 2016 European Championship win as equal to a World Cup.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez spoke about Ronaldo’s impact on the team since he took over.

Martinez said he came to a team with doubts about the captain, but Ronaldo had become a role model through his behavior and dedication on the pitch.

Neymar

Neymar played what seems to be his last World Cup match in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway.

Speaking to TV Globo after the game, he announced his international career was over.

The match took place at the same New York/New Jersey stadium where Neymar made his international debut in 2010.

He scored Brazil’s goal from a penalty kick, playing through a calf injury for most of the tournament.

Neymar finishes as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pele’s 77.

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez was knocked out in the round of 32 after losing 2-0 to Switzerland.

After the match, Mahrez, 35, said it was his last game for Algeria, adding it’s time for the next generation of players.

Mahrez ends his international career with 119 caps and 40 goals, playing a key role in Algeria’s triumph at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guillermo Ochoa

Guillermo Ochoa’s exit came after Mexico lost 3-2 to England. Ochoa, 40, is the third-oldest player in this tournament.

He kissed the goalpost and applauded fans before leaving the pitch. He said afterward that he had given his all and was proud of his World Cup experience.

He has previously mentioned he plans to retire from the national team after this tournament, and possibly from playing altogether.

Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer’s situation is different because he had already retired from international football before returning for this tournament.

Germany was eliminated in the round of 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties.

Neuer, 40, said afterward that he has no regrets about returning, adding that part of his reason was to support the younger players on the team.

Players yet to be decided

A few other veteran players are still in the tournament, and their World Cup futures are uncertain.

Lionel Messi, 39, has not confirmed a retirement but is expected to consider 2026 as his last World Cup with Argentina, who are still in the competition.

Croatia’s Luka Modric, also in his 40s, has not announced any farewell yet.

The 2026 World Cup is still ongoing, with the quarterfinal round yet to be completed.

We will see if more players confirm similar exits before the tournament ends.