FIFA World Cup 2026: The End of a Golden Era?

Lionel Messi. Harry Kane. Mohamed Salah. Kylian Mbappe. Christian Pulisic.

As the countdown is on for the World Cup Final Draw on Friday, these are some of the names that are poised to dominate headlines in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These names are also names of people unlikely to play in the 2030 World Cup or 2034 World Cup due to their age. Messi has already said that he is debating on whether he wants to participate in the World Cup next year or not (personally, it would be stunning if he does not participate in a tournament in a country he currently resides at). To put it simply, the drop-off of talented players that define international soccer is astounding. This is one reason that I have concluded that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is at the end of an era-perhaps the end of a golden era.

Another reason would be where the next two World Cups are taking place after 2026. In 2026, the World Cup has a simple location concept by taking place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In 2030, the World Cup has become somewhat of a “Frankenstein’s Monster” by having three matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay and the rest in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. This is a convoluted concept that requires teams crossing the Atlantic Ocean after completing their matches in South America to compete in the matches that are being played in Africa and Europe. Not an ideal commute for anyone.  In 2034, the World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia which will require to take place in the winter as the summer in Saudi Arabia can be brutal for visitors and players. Also, this World Cup should cross one of two red lines for the average soccer fan. Due to Saudi Arabia law, there will be NO BEER being served during the tournament. This is absolutely blasphemous to soccer fans who know that beer and soccer go hand and hand with each other. 

In conclusion, due to the drop-off of possible retiring big names in the world of soccer and the overly complex locations of the next two World Cups after 2026, this seems like the end of a golden era in soccer. What comes next after the golden era of soccer? Potentially the platinum era of soccer.

I will do a follow up post next week posting the schedule of matches taking place at Gillette Stadium (or as FIFA calls it “Boston Stadium” due to naming restrictions) and maybe a post on the draw itself.

Coverage of 2026 FIFA World Cup on this blog will begin in April 2026.