«I won't make it to 40 in football»: World Cup 2026 stars on their future and the next day of the game

The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada has become more than just a tournament, it's a true dividing line. This World Cup brings together two generations: the great veterans, for whom this tournament might well be the last, and the audacious young talents, ready to carry the flag forward. While some stars are taking on the role of mentors and contemplating the end of their careers, others confidently declare that the future of football will be very different. What do the main characters of the planet say about their tomorrow and the prospects for the development of the most popular game?

The change of eras: legends are leaving, new kings are coming

The 2026 World Cup marks a generational shift in world football. The recognized stars — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar — are nearing the end of their careers in national teams. Legend of Soviet and Russian football, Alexander Mostovoi, emphasized the inevitability of this process: “In every era, there are its icons. In Argentina, there was Maradona, then came Messi. In Portugal, there was Eusébio, then Ronaldo. Football life lasts 15–20 years, and of course, the departure of such players affects the national teams. But football is wonderful precisely because new talents always appear.”

At the same time, Mostovoi noted that replacing players of the magnitude of Messi and Ronaldo will be extremely difficult: “Such players have set almost all the records that are possible. I think their achievements will be unmatched for a long time. When they finish, many will farewell them with tears in their eyes.”

Mbappé: ‘I won't play football at 40’

One of the most striking statements at the tournament was made by the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappé, about the incredible longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. When asked how they manage to stay at the top for over two decades, the 27-year-old forward replied with a smile, but very categorically: “I won't play football at 40, you would have already kicked me out by then.” This phrase, perhaps, hinted at the constant criticism and high pressure he faces throughout his career. Mbappé admitted that staying at the top for so long is the province of the chosen few, calling Messi and Ronaldo “exceptional cases in the history of sport.” “Clearly, Messi is the best in the world, as well as Cristiano. For 16 years, they have shown extraordinary quality. I am just trying to do what I can,” he added.

Courtois and Neymar: on the verge of an end

Several star players have thought about ending their careers in national teams right in the middle of the 2026 World Cup. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 34 years old, admitted that he is leaning towards leaving the national team after the tournament: “I said that I am inclined to end my performance in the national team – this is a more realistic option than continuing my career. Such a decision will be made solely on physical reasons and my condition. I don't think I can maintain the same pace for another four years.” After the team's elimination from Spain, he confirmed that he would take a break to think about the future: “Perhaps this was my last match.”

Brazilian striker Neymar, the best goalscorer in the history of his country, may also end his career in 2026. After the Brazilian team's elimination from the 1/8 finals, he remained in the USA with his family to make a decision about his future. His contract with Santos expires at the end of 2026, and sources do not rule out the possibility of terminating the agreement and ending his top-level career.

Modrić changed his mind: 40 years is not the limit

On the other hand, 40-year-old Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić, against expectations, changed his mind about ending his career in the national team. It was previously reported that after the 2026 World Cup, he would leave international football and not renew his contract with AC Milan. However, now Modrić plans to stay both in the club and in the national team. He linked his decision to the possible appointment of Slaven Bilic as the head coach of Croatia — the same mentor with whom Modrić made his debut in the national team. Croatia reached the 1/16 finals of the tournament, where they lost to Portugal, but Modrić played his fifth World Cup.

New stars: who will own the future

While legends are leaving, a new generation is coming to take their place, already now determining the face of world football. It is expected that in the next decade, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, and Erling Haaland will dominate.

The main revelation and symbol of a new era has become the 18-year-old Spanish prodigy, Lamine Yamal. Xavi, the former coach of Barcelona, called him the future legend of football: “Every time I hear the name of Lamine Yamal, I can't help but smile. ... At such a young age, he has already become a real leader on the field and is capable of changing the course of matches. Such feats have only been achieved by a few before — Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Pele, and possibly Ronaldo.” Xavi is confident that the next 15–20 years may belong to Yamal, “if he really wants it himself.”

Russian midfielder Alexey Batalov also named the trio of main stars for the next five years: “The main stars of world football for the next five years are probably Mbappé, Olyse, and Yamal.” Michael Olyse, a winger for Bayern Munich and the French national team, is already leading the 2026 World Cup in assists.

A look into the future of football: technology, rules, and the human factor

The stars are not only thinking about their careers but also about where the game itself is heading. The 2026 World Cup has become the most technologically advanced in history. FIFA has introduced an improved semi-automatic system for offside determination and created 3D-“digital mirrors” for all participants of the tournament. All 1248 players underwent full 3D-body scanning so that referees and VAR could model game events with maximum accuracy and record violations.

However, not everyone believes in the “modern football” concept. Ex-star of Real Madrid, Marcelo, said that he does not accept the division into “modern” and “non-modern” football: “There are just players with different styles, and great footballers like Maradona would be strong in any era. ... For me, football is always an element of surprise, and you need to adapt to every moment of the game.”

The heated debates around the calendar and the load on players have not subsided. Previously, German midfielder Toni Kroos had expressed that footballers feel like “puppets” in the hands of FIFA and UEFA. And Kylian Mbappé in one of the interviews questioned the readiness of players for a 60-game season. These voices suggest that the future of football will be determined not only by new talents and technologies but also by the fight for the rights and health of the players themselves.

Conclusion: a game that never stands still

The 2026 World Cup has become a mirror reflecting all the main trends of modern football. We see how titans are leaving, how new superstars are born, how technology changes the rules of the game, and how players are increasingly claiming their rights. Messi and Ronaldo may be leaving, but Mbappé, Yamal, and Haaland are already ready to carry the flag. Most importantly, football continues to live, surprise, and unite millions, remaining the most beautiful game on the planet.

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