The 2026 World Cup has signaled the conclusion of an era in international soccer, as some of the sport's greatest players took to the field for their final World Cup appearances. Among these legendary athletes is Ronaldo, whose career has left an indelible mark on the game. This tournament, hosted in part by the United States, has been a stage for these football icons to bid farewell to the global competition that defined much of their careers.

According to NPR News, "Some of the greatest footballers of a generation played their final World Cup match this summer."

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