Four years separate the Qatar World Cup from the 2026 edition, but the interval was enough to redraw the teams’ map. Between permanent goodbyes and international retirements, several protagonists of the last World Cup fell by the wayside and will not wear their countries’ shirts again in a World Cup.
Since 2023, the renewal movement has intensified, driven by age, physical wear and cycle changes. The result is an extensive list of players who marked an era and ended relevant trajectories in world football.
Among the most emblematic cases are those who decided to end their careers completely. Defender Pepe, a symbol of Portugal’s longevity and leadership, retired in August 2024, at the age of 41, after still playing at a high level in the Euros.
Another big name is Gareth Bale, who announced his departure shortly after Qatar, in January 2023, ending his career as Wales’ main recent reference.
Belgium also saw great talent leave. Eden Hazard, after a World Cup below expectations and the end of his time at Real Madrid, decided to stop in October 2023. Jan Vertonghen retired after the Euros and Dries Mertens hung up his boots in the same year.
In France, defender Raphaël Varane, a starter in the final against Argentina, surprised by ending his career in 2024, impacted by recurring injuries.
Retired South Americans
Uruguayan Diego Godín, a defensive reference for more than a decade, announced his retirement in 2023 after playing in his fourth World Cup. Mexican Andrés Guardado, member of the select group of athletes with five World Cup appearances, also said goodbye to professional football recently.
They left their national teams, but are still active
Another relevant group is that of players who chose to leave the national teams, but continued to play for clubs. The decision, common among veterans, reflects the desire to extend their career at a high level.
Luis Suárez, for example, said goodbye to the Uruguayan national team in September 2024, ending an era alongside Edinson Cavani, who also left Celeste months earlier. Ángel Di María followed the perfect script after winning the 2024 Copa América.
France has undergone a significant overhaul. Hugo Lloris, captain of the 2018 title, had already left the team after Qatar. Subsequently, Olivier Giroud, Bleus’ top scorer in history, and Antoine Griezmann, a key player in midfield, also announced their departures after Euro 2024.
In Germany, two recent symbols followed a similar path. Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer said goodbye to the national team after the European tournament, while Ilkay Gündogan, who wore the captain’s armband in the post-Qatar cycle, also ended his international career.
Other traditional teams experienced similar movements. Sergio Busquets left Spain in 2022, while Jordi Alba ended his career in 2025.
Croatia, semi-finalists in Qatar, also lost an important player: Marcelo Brozovic, midfield engine, announced his departure from the national team in 2024.
Among the curious cases of the period is that of . After announcing his retirement in 2024, he returned months later and resumed his career, remaining active in European football in 2026. In any case, the goalkeeper was no longer being called up by the national team and the World Cup after losing his place to Sweden.
Players who were in 2022 and will not be in the 2026 World Cup
Full retirement (clubs and national team)
- Pepe
- Gareth Bale
- Eden Hazard
- Raphaël Varane
- Diego Godin
- Andres Guardado
- Mats Hummels
- Jordi Alba
- Dries Mertens
- Jan Vertonghen
Retirement from the national team (still active in the clubs)
- Luis Suarez
- Angel Di Maria
- Hugo Lloris
- Olivier Giroud
- Antoine Griezmann
- Thomas Müller
- Manuel Neuer
- Ilkay Gündogan
- Sergio Busquets
- Edinson Cavani
- Marcelo Brozovic
