Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo exit 2026 World Cup without titles, ending an era

Brazil and Portugal were eliminated at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the final tournament for two of football's most celebrated stars. Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, confirmed the 2026 edition would be his sixth and last World Cup appearance, finishing his international career as Portugal’s all‑time leading scorer but without a world title. Neymar likewise bowed out after four World Cups, remaining Brazil’s top scorer yet never lifting the trophy. Their departures place both players on a short list of greats – such as Ferenc Puskás, Lev Yashin, Johan Cruyff and Roberto Baggio – who achieved legendary club and individual success but never won the sport’s premier championship. The exits signal a generational shift for both national teams as they look to new leaders for future tournaments.