The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
A total of 736 players represented 32 nations at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, with each country fielding a 23-man squad.
Two decades later, the vast majority of those players have retired from professional football, with many transitioning into coaching, management, punditry, or other roles within the sport.
However, a select group of veterans continue to defy age and remain active in professional football in 2026.
Among them are three of the game’s most iconic figures — Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric — who continue to compete at the highest level despite first appearing on the World Cup stage 20 years ago.
