Players Who Could Be Playing in Their Last World Cup

In this playoff, not only are the national teams fighting for a place in the World Cup; several players are also facing their final chance to return—or even to play in the tournament for the very first time.

Veterans Seeking One Last Opportunity

Poland has two key veterans: Robert Lewandowski and Kamil Grosicki, both 37 years old. This could be their final opportunity to compete in a World Cup, something they already achieved in 2018 and 2022.

The defender from Atalanta, Berat Djimsiti, will have his last chance to captain Albania toward a World Cup. At 33, it seems unlikely he will be able to reach the 2030 tournament in top condition, making this a crucial opportunity in his career.

Slovakia also features an experienced generation, with names like Martin Dúbravka, from Burnley, and Peter Pekarík, from Hertha Berlin, aged 37 and 39, respectively. Both will try to lead their national team back to the biggest stage. Pekarík already played in the 2010 World Cup, but goalkeeper Dúbravka has yet to do so, making this his possible last call to guard the net in a World Cup.

Captains and Leaders Facing a Possible Farewell

The Republic of Ireland is aiming to return to the tournament for the first time since 2002. None of the current squad members were part of the Korea-Japan edition, and while some may still have another chance in 2030, this appears to be the final attempt for Seamus Coleman. The 37-year-old defender, with 77 international caps, is one of the team’s most experienced players and hopes to end his career with a World Cup appearance.

Denmark, meanwhile, has not missed a World Cup since 2018 and is aiming for its third consecutive participation. For Christian Eriksen, this campaign is shaping up to be his last, as he looks to play in his fourth World Cup.

Who will manage to stay on course—and who will fall just short?