These are the players that have retired or stepped away from international soccer during or after the 2026 World Cup

After a month long marathon of non stop action, saying good bye to the World Cup was hard for us fans. Just imagine how hard it was to say good bye to the World Cup if you were one of the players who know they have played their final minutes of the tournament, and final minutes with their national team.There are some iconic players that have announced their retirement from the international soccer, so let’s take a look back at some of the players we won’t see representing their national teams anymore

Neymar (Brazil, 38)

The Brazilian sensation that took the world by storm saw his international career end without a World Cup. Someone who became an idol in Brazil, on the same level of Ronaldo or Pele wan’t counted on a lot by Carlo Ancelotti during this tournament, but he got a goal in his final match with Brazil in the same place he made his national team debut 16 years ago. “It started here at Metlife, and I finish here. It is over now,” confirmed Neymar.

Manuel Neuer (Germany, 40)

Five tournaments after debuting, the German keeper steps away from the game with one World Cup in his pocket. It came in 2014, his second edition of the World Cup when Germany beat Argentina in extra time. He had retired following the 2024 Euros but came back for this World Cup at the age of 40. After Germany’s devastating loss to Paraguay in extra time, Neuer said, “Despite the bitter end, I don’t regret this decision,”

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, 41)

The longest standing national team player in Mexico history. He had a chance to play his final match in the Estadio Azteca, in front of his home fans. With tears in his eyes Javier Aguirre subbed him on for the final minutes of Mexico’s third group stage match against Czechia. Shortly after coming on to the pitch, he took a goal kick and just a couple seconds later Mexico polishes off the match with the 3-0 to set Ochoa off into the sunset after six World Cups.

Patrick Schick (Czechia, 30)

One of the stars of the show for Czechia in the 2020 Euros, Patrick made his World Cup debut for his country this summer. It was a dream journey but a disappointing end for Czechia who were bounced from the group stages without a win. Shortly after the final group stage match he announced his retirement for the national team, “Today, my national team chapter is coming to an end. Thank you for every match, every goal, and the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic.”

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria, 35)

The former Premier League star, and Algeria icon made his debut in the World Cup in 2014. It was a long and bitter wait, but he finally helped his country get back into the World Cup this summer. Algeria would make it through the group stages in a group with Argentina, Jordan and Austria ,and Mahrez had two goals against Austria leading them to a knockout round appearance. After their round of 32 loss to Switzerland, Mahrez bid his country adieu, “Representing Algeria has been a dream of mine ever since I was young, to play for my country. It’s been an immense honour and a great source of pride.”

Sadio Mane (Senegal, 34)

Perhaps the most iconic player to come out of the country of Senegal, Mane announced his retirement shortly after the heartbreaking loss at the hands of Belgium. He played in the 2018 World Cup but injury forced him out of the 2022 World Cup. Senegal made it to the group stages before their gutting loss in the round of 32. They gave up two goals in the finial minutes to eventually lose to Belgium in extra time, and with that their hero said goodbye. “Know that I sacrificed everything for this flag. I gave the very best of myself and I always fought fiercely for our homeland.”

Enner Valencia (Ecuador, 36)

It wasn’t the World Cup that Valencia or Ecuador was expecting. They came into the summer as a dark horse to make a run deep into the tournament, but had their journey ended early by Mexico in the round of 32. Enner scored six goals in six matches during the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but failed to find the back of the net, and after the loss to Mexico announced, “I’ve played my last match with the national team.”

Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina, 38)

The Argentina defender was looking to end his national career with back to back World Cups after playing every minute in the championship run back in 2022. The 38 year old played in every match but one in this tournament, and was a win away from delivering a fourth star for the Albiceletse after stating his intention to retire from Argentina in March. “It’s my last World Cup, from there I’ll be a fan,” he said.

Marko Arnautovic (Austria, 37)

The Austrian striker scored two goals in his first and only World Cup as he helped lead his country to the round of 32. They would get booted from the tournament by Spain in a 3-0 loss, but the No. 9 sent an emotional farewell to the fans, and to his team after the match. “Playing for Austria was the biggest highlight. It hits me that from now on I won’t see my second family any more.”

Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)

The 43 year old keeper was capped 84 times over the course of his career. This was his first ever appearance in the World Cup, but didn’t play a single minute. Scotland failed to make the knockout stages and the keeper, who debuted 22 years ago called it quits at the international and club level. “I’ve never wanted it to end, but it must,” said Gordon.

Jean Michel Seri (Cote d’Ivoire, 35)

The former Fulham defender spent more than a decade playing with the national team, and made his World Cup debut in his 64th cap with Cote d’Ivoire. He helped his side make it through Group E winning games against Curacao and Ecuador they lost their round of 32 match up against Norway. After the game Seri said, “After 11 years in the national team, and one World Cup played, I announce the end of my international career today.”

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