SouthernWorldwide.com – Manchester City defender Rúben Dias expressed uncertainty regarding the 2026 World Cup being the final tournament for veteran stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Lionel Messi (38), and Luka Modric (40).
Dias, the Portuguese center-back, discussed the significant motivation within his squad to secure the one major trophy their captain has yet to win.
Speaking before the highly anticipated tournament, the Portugal international addressed the growing sentiment that this summer’s event might be the last global stage for several defining superstars of this era.
In a recent interview with Portuguese publication A Bola, the center-back was questioned about the possibility of this being the ultimate farewell for Argentina’s Messi, Croatia’s Modric, and his own national team captain, Ronaldo.
The World Cup notably remains the sole major title that the legendary forward has not achieved.
Dias dismissed the certainty of their imminent international retirements with a simple “Let’s see…”. He further elaborated on what winning this elusive trophy would signify.
“It is an extra motivation factor,” he explained, referring to their historic quest for the title.
For a nation that consistently produces top-tier talent, securing football’s most prestigious prize remains their ultimate ambition. Dias insists that the squad does not feel burdened by the expectations placed upon them to deliver the trophy for their talismanic forward.
Instead, they view it as a collective mission to dethrone Messi and Argentina.
Detailing the squad’s mindset, the defender noted: “It would be a pleasure for all of us to be able to provide that moment to him, to ourselves, to all of Portugal, to our families. It does not represent extra pressure, it represents, yes, an even more special desire to be part of [the World Cup] and to get there to win.”
The global stage will once again feature three defining figures who collectively hold an incredible 14 Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Inter Miami star Messi boasts a record eight golden balls, complemented by his 2022 World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles, and four UEFA Champions League crowns.
Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has achieved European glory with five Champions League victories and a historic Euro 2016 triumph, alongside league titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Modric, now with AC Milan, broke their duopoly in 2018 to claim his sole Ballon d’Or, adding to his remarkable six Champions League medals earned during his distinguished tenure at Real Madrid.
The three veterans face challenging group-stage campaigns set to commence on June 17.
Defending champions Argentina will compete against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Modric’s Croatia are set to face England, Panama, and Ghana.
Portugal’s journey will begin against DR Congo, followed by matches against Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia on June 27.
These powerhouses must navigate these demanding early fixtures to keep their ultimate championship aspirations alive.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament, hosted across three countries, will conclude with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live across FOX (70 matches) and FS1 (34 matches), with every game available for live and on-demand streaming within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, representing more than one-third of the tournament, will be aired in prime time across FOX (21 matches) and FS1 (19 matches).
The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will be streamed for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET).
