Gianluigi Buffon could have made it through to his sixth World Cup finals had Italy beaten Sweden, but he will now retire having featured in five. Here are a selection of players who could one day play their sixth World Cup.
Leo Messi - Argentina (3 World Cups) - 30 years old
The Barca star will decide when he stops playing. Russia will be his fourth World Cup and, if he retires after turning 38, he could take part in six tournaments.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal (3) - 32 years old
In a similar situation is the other world star. He has played in three World Cups and if he follows through on his promise of playing into his forties, he could be in the 2026 edition.
Sergio Ramos - Spain (3) - 31 years old
Having lifted the trophy, Ramos has the hunger as well as the physicality to play his sixth World Cup at the age of 40.
Andres Guardado - Mexico (3) - 31 years old
If he gets the call from Osorio, Russia will be his fourth appearance in a World Cup. He could play a sixth time if he is still around at 39.
Kylian Mbappé - France (0) - 19 years old
The teenage starlet will make his debut in the competition and his talent will probably allow him to play a sixth World Cup at the age of 35, provided France qualify.
Marcus Rashford - England (0) - 20 years old
The striker also has the potential to feature in six World Cups. Russia will be his first time.