India, July 13 -- Since the World Cup usually marks the end of a cycle, coaches changing and players retiring after one is common.

Senegal sacking Pape Thiaw took to 14 the number of coaches who have left their positions during the 2026 World Cup. Among those remaining, Didier Deschamps has said he will step down after France finish their campaign.

Manuel Neuer, Guillermo Ochoa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric have called time on international careers after their race was run. Neither he nor his head coach has said it, but Argentina players have been heard singing about winning it "por la ultima de Leo" (the last one for Lionel Messi).

After 22 editions had seven players over 40, this one had eight. Figures why at 28 years and 117 da...