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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup brought the international careers of several football veterans to an end, with some of the game’s biggest names either announcing their retirement or confirming their departure from national-team football after the tournament.

The list features World Cup winners, legendary captains and established stars from Europe, Africa and South America, including Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Brazil’s Neymar and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez.

Here are 10 notable players who have ended their international careers or announced their departure from international football following the 2026 World Cup.

1. Lionel Messi — Argentina

Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where the defending champions reached the final.

The 39-year-old leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, having earned 207 caps and scored 125 goals.

FIFA has also reported that Messi is set to make a farewell appearance for Argentina when they face Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.

2. Neymar — Brazil

Brazilian superstar Neymar also brought his international career to an end following the World Cup.

The forward made his Brazil debut in 2010 and represented the country at four World Cups. Following Brazil’s elimination from the tournament, Neymar confirmed that his international journey had come to an end.

3. James Rodríguez — Colombia

Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his international retirement on September 15, 2026.

The 35-year-old featured at three World Cups and departs as Colombia’s record appearance-maker, with 131 caps, while also holding the country’s record for assists with 43.

Rodríguez is also Colombia’s leading goalscorer at the World Cup, having scored six times in the competition.

4. Manuel Neuer — Germany

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup.

The 40-year-old had initially retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned to represent Germany at the World Cup.

Neuer’s international career included being part of Germany’s squad that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

5. Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also called time on his international career after the tournament.

Ochoa became one of the most recognisable figures in Mexican football during a career that included appearances at several World Cups.

He made a brief appearance during Mexico’s 2026 campaign before receiving a farewell from teammates and supporters.

6. Riyad Mahrez — Algeria

Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez retired from international football after Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

Mahrez made his World Cup debut in 2014 and scored twice during Algeria’s 2026 campaign before the North Africans were eliminated by Switzerland.

The 35-year-old leaves behind a long international career with Algeria, having established himself as one of the country’s leading footballers.

7. Édouard Mendy — Senegal

Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his international retirement in September.

The 34-year-old finished his career with 59 appearances for the Teranga Lions and was a key member of the Senegal side that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

8. Iñaki Williams — Ghana

Ghana forward Iñaki Williams announced his retirement from international football after the Black Stars’ defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

Williams represented Ghana for four years and finished his international career with 28 appearances.

His decision brings an end to his time with the Black Stars after making his senior international debut in 2022.

9. Edin Džeko — Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026, that he would retire from international football.

The 40-year-old is scheduled to make his final appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden on October 2 in the UEFA Nations League.

Džeko leaves the national team as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant footballers.

10. Seko Fofana — Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Seko Fofana announced his international retirement on September 14, 2026, at the age of 31.

Fofana made 34 appearances for the Elephants and scored seven goals during his international career.

He was also part of the Côte d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024.

With several of these veterans now stepping away, the 2026 World Cup has marked a major changing of the guard in international football, creating opportunities for a new generation of players to take centre stage for their countries.