As the 2026 World Cup enters its knockout stages, not all players have their minds solely on the title. A number of stars are competing in the tournament while also searching for a new chapter in their professional careers, their contracts with their clubs having come to an end.
According to newspaper reports, 14 players still participating in the tournament officially became free agents as of 2 July, giving them an exceptional opportunity to use the global spotlight to attract club interest before opening a new page in their careers.
Topping the list is Egypt's Mohamed Salah, who has concluded his time at Liverpool amid widespread expectations of a move to the Saudi league, while he currently focuses on leading the Egyptian national team in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Also prominent is Brazil's Casemiro, who departed Manchester United at the end of his contract. Reports suggest he is close to joining Inter Miami in the United States, after delivering mixed performances in the tournament but scoring a decisive goal in Brazil's victory over Japan.
Among the other notable names is English defender John Stones, who has brought down the curtain on a decade-long spell at Manchester City, with Everton and AC Milan said to be interested in signing him. Austria's David Alaba, who ended his journey at Real Madrid after five trophy-laden seasons, has also yet to confirm his next destination.
The list also includes Brazil's Fabinho, following the end of his stint with Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, and Colombia's James Rodríguez, who is close to departing Minnesota United, alongside Croatia's Luka Modrić, whose future at AC Milan remains unclear despite his continued brilliance with the national team.
Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha — aged 40 — also drew attention with his impressive saves in the tournament, affirming his desire to continue playing after his contract with Portuguese side Chaves expired.
The list of free agents further includes Nabil Bentaleb, Gideon Mensah, Thomas Meunier, Abdoul Tapsoba, Ørjan Nyland, Thomas Partey, and Xherdan Shaqiri, all awaiting club offers to determine their next destinations once the World Cup concludes.
Caught between the dream of lifting the trophy and the search for a new contract, these players are running a dual race in which every match represents an opportunity to enhance their value and convince clubs that they are still capable of making a difference at the highest level.