Several of the world’s top football stars are marking their birthdays during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, celebrating right in the middle of intense group-stage action or high-stakes knockout rounds.
With the month-long tournament set to culminate on July 19, 2026, a number of players have already observed their special day, some amid bitter team eliminations and others savouring personal or historic milestones.
Lionel Messi’s record-breaking 39th
Lionel Messi, who celebrated turning 39 on June 24, 2026, leads the elite group.
The Argentine maestro had a moment to savour as his birthday coincided with a record-breaking feat, officially becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goal scorer and shattering multiple records in the process.
In addition to holding unique distinctions across different eras of his career, Messi also boasts a brilliant scoring run in this tournament with seven goals.
Off the pitch, a video shared online showed his Argentina teammates surprising him in his hotel room while he was asleep. The talisman continues to defy age, aging like fine wine and balling at the highest level with a unique longevity that continues to mesmerize fans globally.
Dual celebrations for the Three Lions
England starlets Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze also headline the list of players celebrating while on international duty. The Real Madrid star and the Arsenal ace share a birthday today, June 29, and the Three Lions camp fittingly wished them a jovial occasion as they mark their milestones with the squad.
Bellingham just turned 23, mere days after delivering a game-changing impact to guide England to the knockout stages with a goal and an assist against Panama in a 2-0 Group L victory.
With eight career goals for England, five of which have come in major tournaments, the English ace looks like he is just getting started. He could very well be the man manager Thomas Tuchel relies on to inspire the team if the fans’ famous “It’s Coming Home” mantra is finally to become a reality.
Salah and De Bruyne’s milestone moments
Joining Messi in the list of evergreen stars is Mohamed Salah. The “Egyptian King” enjoyed a dream 34th birthday on June 15, 2026, marking the day with a vital assist for Egypt’s opening goal against Belgium.
Meanwhile, Belgian midfield maestro and Red Devils captain Kevin De Bruyne celebrated his 35th birthday on the very day the Round of 32 knockout stage commenced. After helping Belgium dominate Group G, the playmaker blew out his candles just as the tournament shifted into win-or-go-home territory.
Upcoming July birthdays
As the knockout brackets heat up, more stars are waiting on their big days. Morocco’s star defender Achraf Hakimi will celebrate his birthday on July 6, 2026, just days after the Atlas Lions’ highly anticipated Round of 32 knockout clash against the Netherlands.
Further down the calendar, Norway’s Erling Haaland, who turns 26 on July 21, could enjoy the most unforgettable birthday of his life if the Nordic nation can end a 28-year historic wait and secure a maiden World Cup crown just two days prior to his big day.