The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of the international careers of several of the world’s biggest football stars.
According to The Guardian, 11 players decided to retire from their respective national teams following the conclusion of the tournament in the United States.
The first was Manuel Neuer, who ended his international career at the age of 40.
The German goalkeeper made his World Cup debut in 2010 before lifting the trophy four years later.
Germany were eliminated in the knockout stage after losing a penalty shootout to Paraguay.
Neuer had initially retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024, but reversed his decision just weeks before the World Cup.
“Although it ended in disappointment, I don’t regret my decision,” he said after making his 23rd and final World Cup appearance.
Next was Patrik Schick of the Czech Republic, who announced his retirement just hours after his team’s final group-stage match.
The 30-year-old striker failed to score as the Czech Republic exited the tournament without a single victory.
“Today, my chapter with the national team comes to an end,” he wrote.
Third, Guillermo Ochoa also bid farewell to the Mexico national team after the tournament.
The 41-year-old goalkeeper played only 12 minutes against the Czech Republic but received a warm send-off from his teammates.
Head coach Javier Aguirre described him as “a world-class legend.”
Fourth, Riyad Mahrez ended his international career with Algeria after finally returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
The 35-year-old forward scored two goals before Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 32.
“Representing Algeria has always been my dream since childhood,” he said.
Fifth, Enner Valencia retired from international football with Ecuador after the tournament.
The 36-year-old striker scored six goals across the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, but failed to add to his tally as Ecuador were eliminated by Mexico in the Round of 32.
“I’ve played my last match for the national team,” he said in the tunnel after the game.
Nicolás Otamendi played in his fourth World Cup after making his tournament debut in 2010 and winning the title in Qatar 2022.
The 38-year-old defender had already announced his retirement plans in March.
“This is my final World Cup. After this, I’ll become a supporter,” he said.
As a special tribute, Lionel Messi allowed Otamendi to take a penalty during his farewell match at La Bombonera.
Seventh, Marko Arnautović retired from international football after what was both the first and last World Cup of the 37-year-old Austria striker.
Arnautović scored two goals before Austria were defeated 3-0 by Spain in the Round of 32.
“Playing for Austria has been my greatest achievement. It’s heartbreaking to realize that from now on I won’t see my second family anymore,” he said in a post-match interview.
Eighth, Sadio Mané also announced his retirement from the Senegal national team after the West African nation was eliminated by Belgium.
The 34-year-old forward released a statement through Senegalese media confirming his decision.
“Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself,” he wrote.
However, questions later emerged regarding the authenticity of the statement.
Ninth, Craig Gordon retired from both club and international football at the age of 43.
The Scotland goalkeeper earned 84 international caps after making his debut in 2004, but did not play a single minute during what proved to be his first and only World Cup.
“I never wanted this to end, but it had to,” he said.
Jean Michaël Seri of Ivory Coast also brought his 11-year international career to a close following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 35-year-old midfielder made his World Cup debut in what was his 64th appearance for the national team.
Finally, Neymar ended his international career with Brazil in an emotional farewell at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where he made his debut for the national team in August 2010.
The 34-year-old forward played only 55 minutes before Brazil were eliminated by Norway, with his playing time limited by injury.
“It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I’m ending it here. Now it’s over,” he said.
Working as a television commentator in the United States, Zlatan Ibrahimović paid tribute to Neymar, describing him as “an extraordinary player with incredible skills.”***
