Football legends like Ronaldo, Neymar, and Neuer set to make final World Cup appearances

The 2026 World Cup has seen the elimination of several high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Guillermo Ochoa, and Manuel Neuer, in matches that are likely to mark the end of their careers in the tournament.

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The tournament is still ongoing, with the quarterfinals yet to be completed, and these eliminations have already made a significant impact on the competition.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from the World Cup came on Monday, when Portugal was defeated 1-0 by Spain in the round of 16 in Arlington, Texas, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal of the match in the 91st minute.

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Ronaldo had announced before the match that this would be his last World Cup, and he leaves the tournament with 27 appearances across six tournaments, from 2006 to 2026, the second-highest total in the competition's history.

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

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Ronaldo stated after the match that he was leaving with no regrets, saying "I've given my all, I've won three titles with Portugal," and considering Portugal's 2016 European Championship win to be on the same level as a World Cup.

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Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez praised Ronaldo's role in the squad, describing him as a role model through his conduct and commitment on the pitch since his own appointment.

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Neymar played his last World Cup match in Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway, and afterward, he announced that his international career was over, leaving as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals.

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Neymar scored Brazil's goal from a penalty kick in the match, despite playing through a calf injury for most of the tournament, and the match was played at the same New York/New Jersey stadium where he made his international debut in 2010.

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Riyad Mahrez was eliminated in the round of 32 following a 2-0 loss to Switzerland, and after the match, he announced that it was his last game for Algeria, saying it was now the turn of the next generation of players.

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Mahrez leaves international football with 119 caps and 40 goals, and a starring role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, at the age of 35.

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Guillermo Ochoa's exit came in Mexico's 3-2 loss to England, and afterward, he said he had given his all and was proud of his experience at the World Cup, having previously stated his intention to retire from the national team after the tournament.

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Ochoa, 40, is the third-oldest player at the tournament, and he kissed the goalpost and applauded fans before leaving the pitch, showing his appreciation for the support.

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Manuel Neuer's case is unique, as he had already retired from international football before returning for this tournament, and Germany's elimination in the round of 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties, marked the end of his comeback.

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Neuer, 40, stated that he did not regret the decision to come back, citing his desire to support the team's younger players as part of his reason for returning.

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A number of other veteran players, including Lionel Messi and Luka Modric, both in their 40s, remain in the tournament, and their World Cup futures are still open, with Messi widely expected to treat 2026 as his last World Cup with Argentina.

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The 2026 World Cup is continuing, with the quarterfinal round yet to be completed, and it remains to be seen whether further players will confirm their exits before the tournament ends.