End of the Golden Era - Why is the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to be the Most Emotional Sports Tournament Ever?

By Mohnish Kripalani

The World Cup is always a spectacle. It is by far the most anticipated sporting event, and billions of fans across the world tune in. It is a month when people come together to support their country, whether they are in the stands or at home watching on TV. The World Cup is more than just a football tournament; every match has the nation’s pride on the line, while millions of fans stand by with high expectations for their country. Ultimately, only one country will prevail and be crowned champions of the world for the next four years.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Not only does this World Cup come with a new 48-team format, but it also marks the end of an era, as it is likely the last World Cup featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are widely considered among the most legendary footballers of all time. It will be remembered as the World Cup where we get a final glimpse of two football stars who defined the greatest era of the sport.

The idea is simple yet surprising. By the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup commences, Lionel Messi will be 39 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41. Both legends have defied the laws of longevity. Time is the one opponent that can slow down even the most vigorous athletes, and both footballers are well over 35—an age when most players usually hang up their boots.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup felt like the perfect send-off for Lionel Messi, who finally lifted the one trophy that had long eluded him. On the other hand, the 2022 tournament was heartbreaking for Cristiano Ronaldo, as his team, Portugal, lost in a stunning upset to Morocco despite being clear favorites. That victory made Morocco the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

For Messi, winning this tournament would cement his status as the greatest football player of all time, ending all debate as he would become a back-to-back world champion and captain. However, if Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo win this tournament, then he would be the oldest FIFA World Cup winner of all time, which could give him an edge over Messi in the G.O.A.T. debate while also silencing his last few critics.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a transcendent tournament, and every match featuring Portugal and Argentina will be draped in nostalgia. Every play, dribble, or long shot will be analyzed not just for its impact on the game, but for its symbolic weight, as many will cherish the fact that Messi and Ronaldo are still performing on the highest stage of football.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup has huge expectations, especially after the sensational 2022 tournament in Qatar. Its final was a perfect reflection of this, where Argentina and Lionel Messi overthrew France in a thrilling penalty shootout. This was despite a 10/10 performance from Kylian Mbappé, who scored a historic hat-trick, nearly giving viewers a heart attack with his back-to-back goals. Despite the high standards set by 2022, the 2026 World Cup has its own story. Its new 48-team format gives smaller nations a better chance to stand out. Furthermore, this tournament also includes more host cities, more games, and advanced technology never before seen in football. And yet, its main highlight will be seeing the next generation of players showcase their talent on the biggest stage.

We will also transition into a new era of talent in this World Cup, as we will get to experience emerging stars from different parts of the world, such as Lamine Yamal from Spain and Désiré Doué from France. While two greats play their final tournament, emerging stars will step onto the stage for their first, leading to the beginning of a new era. It is this contrast and transition that will make this tournament so powerful and historic.