World Cup 2026 to Feature Last Matches for Soccer Legends Messi and Ronaldo

• Two all-time greats are expected to play their last World Cup, marking the end of an era

• A new generation of stars will look to step into the spotlight and define the next decade

• Find out the top 10 players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Two of soccer’s all-time greats will likely make their final bows on the sport’s biggest stage at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can finally pass the baton on to a new generation including Spain’s Lamine Yamal.

Kylian Mbappé — who was only 19 when he won the World Cup with France in 2018 — is still waiting to confirm his place as the heir-apparent to Messi and Ronaldo.

But there are others, too, aiming to make their mark in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, from Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland to Team USA’s Christian Pulisic.

Here are 10 players to watch this year’s World Cup.

Lionel Messi