TOP favorites to win 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
The football world's biggest tournament - FIFA World Cup took place in Qatar from November 21 until December 18.
Football's biggest stars joined their national squads to fight for the most desirable trophy out there, and Argentina were crowned as world champions.
However, we might have witnessed some superstars play their last World Cup. There are footballers who are edging closer to retirement age and Qatar 2022 would have become their last opportunity to shine.
Who will retire after the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Karim Benzema, 35 y/o
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After 97 games and 37 goals for France, Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from intentional football.
Leo Messi, 35 y/o
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Argentina won the World Cup 2022 in Qatar after beating France in a dramatic 4 - 2 penalty shootout. Following his seven goals and three assists in the competition, Leo Messi has won the Golden Ball award, becoming the only player to do it twice in the history of the World Cup.
After the match, the seven-time Ballon D'Or winner stated that he has no plans on retiring from international football.
"No, I won't retire. I want to keep playing as world champions with the Argentina jersey". told the 35-year-old.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 37 y/o
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After a heartbreaking World Cup 2022 exit, Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has no intention of retiring from international football. As per people close to the star, he points to the 2026 World Cup as a possible goal.
The Portugal captain has played a record 196 games for his country and believes he still can help them in EURO 2024.
Eden Hazard, 31 y/o
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Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football following Belgium's elimination from World Cup 2022.
The Red Devils finished third in Group F following their one win, one draw, and one defeat in the group stage of the top tournament.
Hazard captained the team in his last World Cup chance. This time Belgium failed to sparkle after their successful run in the World Cup 2018.
Real Madrid attacker is has played in 126 caps and recorded 33 goals during his playing spell. Now he is set to retire at the age of 31.
Pepe, 39 y/o
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Pepe will definitely go down in history as a legendary Portuguese centre-back.
The 38-year-old plays till this day, as he's now the captain of Porto. Pepe also got called up to Portugal's Euro 2020 squad and played all four games, forming a centre-back partnership with Ruben Dias.
Although the World Cup qualifiers are not finished yet, Fernando Santos' side are the favourites to make it into the tournament.
And that next year's competition might be Pepe's last one, considering his age and the prospect of young talents.
Diego Godin, 36 y/o
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The Uruguayan centre-back might also play his last World Cup, should his country qualify for November's tournament.
Godin, who currently plays for Serie A outfit Cagliari Calcio, has already played in three World Cups in 2010, 2014, and 2018.
The 35-year-old has fiercely captained his country to the big tournaments and the next year could see his last outing as the Uruguay captain.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 41 y/o
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It's hard to accept that Zlatan Ibrahimovic's era could come to its end after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Sweden international helped AC Milan to return back to their winning ways and lift the Serie A trophy at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Unfortunately, he will be out of action for eight months after knee surgery. He would probably miss the upcoming World Cup, while it is still unclear whether he will be ready to continue his playing spell after recovery.
Olivier Giroud, 36 y/o
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Giroud might as well retire from international football next year, giving the Karim Benzema call for this year's Euros.
France coach Didier Deschamps decided to call the Real Madrid star, which caused some drama in the dressing room.
Giroud, himself played just 40 minutes for the Bleus this summer, so next year might see the 34-year-old striker's last outing in the World Cup.
Guillermo Ochoa, 37 y/o
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Mexico's legendary goalkeeper, whom everybody remembers from the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, where he impressed the football world, might retire after next year.
Qatar 2022 would be Ochoa's 4th World Cup, even though he didn't play in the first two ones.
However, considering Ochoa's age, next year's tournament might as well become his last World Cup.
Thiago Silva, 38 y/o
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Brazil's captain has endured a legendary spell both in his club and country career, however, he might lead the five-time World Cup champions to the Mundial for the last time.
Recent injury problems have ruled Thiago Silva out from Chelsea as well as from Brazil squads, so the career-changing decision could be made after Qatar 2022.
Luka Modric, 37 y/o
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Modric will go down in history as one of the best midfielders in football. The Croatia captain led his country to the World Cup final for the first time in their history back in Russia in 2018.
The 35-year-old is also the most capped Croatian player, and we will witness his magic creativity for the last time on the world stage. The player has already confirmed his trip to Qatar will be the last one as the national team player.
Sergio Ramos, 36 y/o
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Ramos has endured quite a strange season last term with a lot of injuries, Real Madrid departure and withdrawal from the Spain national team, which he captains.
Luis Enrique decided to omit the legendary centre-back from his Euro 2020 squad, and should Spain qualify for the World Cup and Ramos be called up, that might see his last appearance in La Furia Roja shirt.
Giorgio Chiellini, 38 y/o
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Giorgio Chiellini announced his retirement from international football following Finallissima at Wembley in June 2022 meaning he won't participate in Qatar 2022.
On club level, Chiellini left Juventus and joined MLS side Los Angeles FC during the summer transfer window on a contract through 2023.
Gianluigi Buffon, 44 y/o
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Gianluigi Buffon has retired from playing international football but still plays on a club level for Parma. He joined his boyhood club in 2021 and his contract expires in 2024.
Sergio Busquets
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After 143 caps, one World Cup and one EURO with Spain national team, Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from international football.