Ronaldo, Neymar, Salah among legends to exit World Cup 2026

ISLAMABAD: The FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday moved into the quarterfinals as the world said goodbye to their national stars from the grandest of stage. 

Among the stars who have exited the global event, five legends of the game also bowed out of the tournament, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Neymar Jr., Casemiro and James Rodriguez. 

Portuguese legend Ronaldo has hinted prior to his final game that the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico would be his last World Cup. 

“Listen, I am going to be honest: whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience — not 100% but 1,000% because in life and football I gave everything," the leading scorer in the history of men's international football said. 

In his last World Cup, Ronaldo also completed the feat of scoring in six consecutive World Cup, a record on its own, after he scored a brace against Uzbekistan earlier in the tournament.

Unlike Ronaldo, Neymar couldn’t make an impact in the tournament as he struggled to get into the Brazilian squad with the likes of Vinicius and Raphinha starting up front for the five-time champions. The treble winner with Barcelona did score in his final international match for his country before announcing his retirement following the loss to Norway.

"I tried and I tried. Now it's over. It began here and it ends here," Neymar said.

Liverpool legend Salah bid farewell to the global event last night after Argentina made a dramatic comeback against Egypt in a match marred with controversy. 

Liverpool’s all-time English Premier League goal-scorer did not have a World Cup by his standards, netting a single goal and providing  two assists in his five appearances. 

Another legend of the game who has reportedly announced his retirement is Brazilian legend Casemiro who retired from international football after the team were knocked out in the round of 16. 

The five-time champions league winner saw out his contract with Manchester United earlier this year, playing a key role during the side's victory in the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. 

Lastly, World Cup 2014 golden boot winner James Rodriguez also said goodbye to the grandest of stage after Colombia were knocked out by a resilient Swiss side which won on penalties after the game finished goalless.

Rodriguez’s high-profile transfer to Real Madrid post his performance in 2014 did not prove to be fruitful, however, the left footed wizard’s performances at the 2014 World Cup were exceptional. Etched in memory, Rodriguez’s performance 12 years ago will always be remembered as one of the tournament's defining individual performances.