As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its knockout phase, a number of out-of-contract stars are competing not only for football’s biggest prize but also for their next club.
With the tournament approaching the Round of 16, at least 15 players remain without confirmed club contracts beyond the competition.
While some of football’s biggest names are expected to secure moves quickly, others will be hoping strong World Cup performances improve their prospects in the transfer market.
High-profile names available
Among the most notable out-of-contract stars are Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, Austria defender David Alaba and England centre-back John Stones.
Salah is attracting attention after leaving Liverpool. The Egypt captain has been widely linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, although his immediate focus remains guiding Egypt through the knockout rounds.
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Alaba departed Real Madrid after five seasons, ending a spell that added to an already distinguished career that includes 12 league titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and 10 Austrian Footballer of the Year awards. No agreement with a new club has yet been announced.
Fabinho, formerly of Liverpool, is another Brazilian seeking a new destination after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. The midfielder has previously indicated his desire to return to European football.
Experienced internationals assessing options
Colombia playmaker, James Rodriguez, is another of the out-of-contract stars whose future remains uncertain. His deal with Major League Soccer side Minnesota United included an option for an extension, but it has not yet been activated after he made only six league appearances during the first half of the season.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, is also available after his contract with Portuguese second-division club Chaves expired. His performances at the World Cup have attracted widespread praise, particularly during Cape Verde’s historic run to the knockout stage.
Stones available after Manchester City exit
England defender John Stones joined the list of out-of-contract stars following his departure from Manchester City after a decade that produced 15 major trophies.
Despite recent injury concerns, Stones retained the confidence of England head coach Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup. The 32-year-old has been linked with Everton and AC Milan.
African representation
Africa is represented among the out-of-contract stars by Salah, Ghana duo Thomas Partey and Abdul Mumin, Algeria’s Nabil Bentaleb, Cape Verde’s Vozinha, Côte d’Ivoire’s former representative Fabinho, and Egypt’s leading players.
With clubs across Europe, the Middle East and North America monitoring performances, the World Cup offers one final opportunity for many experienced players to strengthen their case before the summer transfer market reaches its busiest period.
Players still at the World Cup without confirmed club contracts
David Alaba (Austria) – Last club: Real Madrid
Nabil Bentaleb (Algeria) – Last club: Lille
Fabinho (Brazil) – Last club: Al Ittihad
Gideon Mensah (Ghana) – Last club: Auxerre
Thomas Meunier (Belgium) – Last club: Lille
Abdul Mumin (Ghana) – Last club: Rayo Vallecano
Orjan Nyland (Norway) – Last club: Sevilla
Thomas Partey (Ghana) – Last club: Villarreal
James Rodriguez (Colombia) – Last club: Minnesota United
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Last club: Liverpool
Xaver Schlager (Austria) – Last club: RB Leipzig
John Stones (England) – Last club: Manchester City
Vozinha (Cape Verde) – Last club: Chaves
