10 Football Stars Who Retired From International Football After 2026 World Cup

Photo Credit: Original photo by PUNCH / AFP – Argentina captain Lionel Messi
10 Football Stars Who Retired From International Football After 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has closed the international chapter for several football legends, as veterans from across continents bow out of national team duty.

From World Cup winners to long-serving captains, here are 10 notable players who have announced their international retirement after the tournament:

1. Lionel Messi – Argentina
Argentina captain Lionel Messi called time on his international career after leading Argentina to the final at age 39. The record appearance-maker and all-time top scorer for Argentina with 207 caps and 125 goals, Messi is set to play a farewell match against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6, according to FIFA.

2. Neymar – Brazil
Brazilian icon Neymar ended his international journey after his fourth World Cup appearance. The forward, who debuted in 2010, confirmed his exit following Brazil’s elimination.

3. James Rodríguez – Colombia
Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his retirement on September 15, 2026. At 35, the three-time World Cup star departs as Colombia’s all-time leader in appearances (131) and assists (43), and its top scorer at the World Cup with six goals.

4. Manuel Neuer – Germany
German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer retired for a second time after returning for the World Cup. The 40-year-old, who previously retired after Euro 2024, was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.

5. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico
Mexico’s veteran keeper Guillermo Ochoa also bowed out after the tournament. A fixture across multiple World Cups, he made a brief appearance in Mexico’s 2026 campaign before being given a farewell by teammates and fans.

6. Riyad Mahrez – Algeria
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez retired after Algeria’s elimination by Switzerland. He scored twice at the 2026 tournament, having made his World Cup debut in 2014.

7. Édouard Mendy – Senegal
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his retirement in September with 59 caps. The 34-year-old was part of the team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

8. Iñaki Williams – Ghana
Ghana forward Iñaki Williams ended his four-year international career after Ghana’s Round of 32 loss to Colombia, with 28 appearances for the Black Stars.

9. Edin Džeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026 that he will retire from international football. The 40-year-old, Bosnia’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker, will play his final game against Sweden on October 2 in the Nations League.

10. Seko Fofana – Côte d’Ivoire
Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana announced his retirement on September 14, 2026, aged 31. With 34 caps and 7 goals, he was part of the squad that won the 2023 AFCON on home soil in 2024.
Source: PUNCH Online