With the 2026 World Cup set to get underway in just a fortnight, all eyes have now fallen on North America for summer’s historic campaign.

With the action set to get underway on June 11th when Mexico have the honour of opening proceedings against South Africa, this is the first time that 48 teams will compete after an expansion from 32.

While the likes of 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal might be getting his first World Cup adventure underway, this summer looks like it will be a farewell to some iconic modern era superstars.

Lionel Messi – Argentina

Spearheading Argentina to a first World Cup since Diego Maradona’s side back in 1986, many felt that Lionel Messi could draw an ended to his his historic international career with the ultimate fairytale ending.

However, immediately pledging his future to the now-reigning world champions out in Qatar four years ago and making it clear that he has his sights set on leading Argentina out in 2026, Messi still remains La Seleccion’s ultimate poster boy.

Getting what is essentially a home tournament underway this summer sat on 198 caps and set to bring up his double century in what will be his sixth World Cup adventure, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is also set to shatter even more records.

In fact, two decades on from his first World Cup campaign, the 38-year-old now holds the record for most World Cup appearances (26) and most matches as captain (19).

Enjoying what has been another astonishing start to the 2026 MLS campaign, the Inter Miami skipper has already registered 19 direct goal contributions in his 14 domestic appearances so far (12 goals, seven assists).

🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi suffers from discomfort but no serious injury ahead of the World Cup, tests confirm.

Messi, set to be available for Argentina. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/4pWhZjV2FS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Despite turning 41 back in February, Cristiano Ronaldo is still shattering records by the week and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has stated that he has no thoughts of retirement in his imminent future.

Spending the last four seasons with Saudi giants Al-Nassr, Ronaldo still remains the undisputed face of football in the Middle East and it was another astonishing campaign for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon.

Remarkably bagging 28 goals in his 30 Pro League appearances this season, the veteran superstar has also notched an astonishing 102 goals in 107 outings since making his blockbuster Middle Eastern switch.

With it appearing almost a certainty that Ronaldo will finally draw a line under his international career and follow his arch-rival off the World Cup stage, the Portuguese skipper opens this summer’s tournament with 226 caps under his belt.

Set to cruise his way past the record-breaking 1000-goal barrier over the coming months, Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance will certainly steal plenty of the summer attention.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 973 career goals, just 27 more until 1000!🔥#CristianoRonaldo | #AlNassr | @DAZNFootball pic.twitter.com/qphVpymcwG

— DAZN (@DAZN) May 22, 2026

Harry Kane – England

While there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows back in the summer of 2023 as Harry Kane completed a blockbuster €100million switch to German giants Bayern Munich, the England skipper has enjoyed an historic run at the Allianz.

Spearheading Bayern’s charge this season as Vincent Kompany’s side successfully defended their Bundesliga crown at a canter, the former Tottenham talisman has underlined his status as a modern era icon in Munich.

In fact, despite Bayern’s rollercoaster Champions League semi-final defeat at the hands of reigning European champions PSG earlier in the month, Kane is widely regarded as a standout Ballon d’Or contender.

Bagging 58 goals across all competitions and shattering a string of records during his three-year spell at the Allianz, Kane once again has the weight of a nation on his shoulders.

Set to turn 33 at the end of July, England’s talismanic skipper will know that this is his final chance to drag the Three Lions to a first piece of international silverware since way back in 1966.

58 – Harry Kane has scored 58 goals in all competitions in 2025-26, the most by a player from Europe’s big-five leagues since Luis Suárez in 2015-16 for Barcelona (59). Golden. pic.twitter.com/onHf7oUBDh

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 16, 2026

Neymar – Brazil

In what was a blockbuster announcement earlier in the month, Neymar’s inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man travelling squad certainly sent shockwaves across the globe.

With the likes of Chelsea ace Joao Pedro shockingly omitted, the former Barcelona superstar has been called-up for the first time since 2023 and his inclusion has stolen plenty of headlines.

Now playing his domestic football with boyhood club Santo, the Brazilian icon is the country’s all-time leading goalscoring having bagged 79 goals in his 128 appearances for the Selecao.

However, while Neymar might have been left incredibly emotional to be handed a final chance to feature at World Cup, the 34-year-old has been dealt an almighty immediate blow.

It was announced on Thursday that the Santos superstar has suffered an injury issue and is expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks. The South American giants are also expected to be without their all-time leading marksman for their opening game against Morocco on June 13th.

🚨⚠️ BREAKING: Neymar Jr suffers a new injury and will be out for 2/3 weeks, tests have confirmed.

Ney will miss the friendly games before the World Cup and could miss opening game against Morocco. pic.twitter.com/MiqUtspbFi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 28, 2026