The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar produced some of the most memorable moments in recent tournament history – Lionel Messi finally lifting the trophy he had chased his entire career, Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary hat-trick in the final, Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals as the first African nation to reach that stage. Four years later, as the 2026 edition gets underway in North America, it is worth checking in on where the stars of Qatar 2022 are now and how their journeys have continued.

Lionel Messi

The defining story of 2022, Messi completed his journey to football immortality with the World Cup triumph he had been denied so many times before. He remains at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his arrival transformed the league’s global profile. At age 38 during the 2026 tournament, Messi is participating in what will almost certainly be his final World Cup, adding another layer of narrative significance to Argentina’s defense of their title. His performances in the 2026 tournament have been characteristically efficient rather than consistently explosive, the evolution of a player managing his physical resources carefully while remaining decisive in the moments that matter.

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe’s four goals in the 2022 final, including a hat-trick, were the most extraordinary individual performance in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst’s 1966 achievement. He completed his long-anticipated move from PSG to Real Madrid in 2024 and has continued to develop as arguably the best player in the world alongside Jude Bellingham in Madrid’s midfield. At 27 during the 2026 tournament, Mbappe is at the peak of his powers and is widely regarded as the most dangerous individual in this World Cup.

• Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s irrepressible right back in 2022, remains one of the best full backs in the world at PSG and is leading Morocco’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
• Sofyan Amrabat’s breakout tournament in 2022 led to a move to Manchester United that had mixed results, but he has since established himself at a European club where he is thriving.
• Harry Kane finally won a major club trophy with Bayern Munich and arrives at 2026 as England’s all-time leading scorer, desperate to finally add a major international trophy to his individual accolades.

Where Are the Retirement Stories?

The four years between 2022 and 2026 saw the retirement of several significant figures from the Qatar tournament. Several veteran defenders from multiple nations who played key roles in their countries’ runs have retired from international duty, though they continue playing club football. The natural transition between World Cups creates stories of players for whom 2022 was a final chapter and players for whom it was an introduction to the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Argentina qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Argentina, as the reigning World Cup champions, qualified for the 2026 tournament and are one of the favorites to win it again under coach Lionel Scaloni’s continued leadership.