2026 World Cup: the passing of the torch

For nearly twenty years, world football told its story through a rivalry that became legendary: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Between them, they collected Ballon d'Or awards, broke records once thought untouchable, and left their mark on an entire generation of supporters.

Yet this 2026 World Cup gives the feeling that a new chapter is being written.

Portugal's elimination at the hands of Spain almost certainly marks Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance on the world stage. An inevitably symbolic exit for a man who will have won almost every trophy imaginable, with the sole exception of the World Cup.

For his part, Lionel Messi still refuses to turn the page. Long troubled by a courageous Egypt, Argentina found the resources to clinch their place in the quarter-finals. Yet another demonstration of resilience, in the image of a player who, even as he approaches the twilight of his career, continues to defy time.

But beyond their contrasting fates, this World Cup is above all the story of a new generation that is no longer waiting its turn.

Mbappé takes power

Already a world champion, Kylian Mbappé confirms that he is today the face of world football. The author of an exceptional tournament, he keeps finding the net and continues his ascent through World Cup history. At just 27 years old, he is steadily closing in on the records held by Lionel Messi in the tournament's all-time top scorers chart. More than a star, the France captain is now the reference point around which an entire generation revolves.

Alongside him, France can count on other weapons shining in the spotlight.

Ousmane Dembélé is once again delivering a very accomplished international tournament. Already the author of several decisive goals, the French winger is confirming the exceptional club season he has just enjoyed. Direct, efficient in front of goal and as unpredictable as ever, he is establishing himself as a serious Ballon d'Or contender, while accepting to share the limelight with an ever-indispensable Mbappé.

Less prominent in the media, Michael Olise is asserting himself as one of the great revelations of this World Cup. Though still awaiting his first goal in the competition, the French attacking midfielder is shining in other ways: with five assists, he leads the tournament's top providers chart and impresses with his vision of the game, his technical quality and his precision in the final third. In Mbappé's shadow, Olise is nonetheless one of the key architects of France's run — and FootCorner's Ballon d'Or.

Haaland, Yamal… the new faces of world football

Long denied a World Cup with Norway, Erling Haaland is finally discovering the biggest international stage. The striker is delivering and guiding a surprisingly strong Norwegian side all the way to the quarter-finals. His long-distance duel with Mbappé already looks set to become one of the great rivalries of the next decade.

Even younger, Lamine Yamal impresses with his maturity. At just 19 years old, the Spaniard does not carry La Roja alone, but he perfectly embodies this new generation that plays without inhibition and with a remarkable personality. Around him, Spain has rediscovered an attractive collective that makes them one of the leading favourites for the ultimate prize.

Harry Kane, meanwhile, continues to bring his experience and effectiveness to England. As valuable as ever, the Three Lions captain is a reminder that the stars of the intermediate generation still have a say in this World Cup.

A transition, not a break

To speak of the 'end of an era' would, however, be jumping the gun. Messi is still here, still capable of turning a match on its head, still in the running to retain his world title. His presence is a reminder that legends never fade overnight.

Football advances through transmission. In 2006, Zinedine Zidane was playing his last World Cup while two youngsters named Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were discovering the competition. Twenty years on, history seems to be repeating itself: Ronaldo is probably taking his leave of the world stage, Messi is still holding on, while Mbappé, Haaland, Dembélé, Olise, Yamal and others are already writing the opening lines of the next chapter.

More than a simple tournament, this World Cup may be the moment where several generations cross paths. The legends are still here. But the future has already begun.