Fifa World Cup 2026: The big names in world football who have served in the military
With Scotland kicking off their 2026 World Cup campaign with an emphatic win over Haiti – their first victory in the tournament since 1990 – all eyes will now rest on Thomas Tuchel's England, and the German manager's first spell at an international level.
Over 39 days, the biggest names in world football will descend on stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the United States for – depending on where you stand – the biggest spectacle in sport.
Remarkably, some of the players competing at this World Cup - along with several former players - have military backgrounds, having served in the UK Armed Forces and around the world.
Son Heung-min
Perhaps one of the best-known names to have served in the military was South Korean captain Son Heung-min, who completed a compulsory period of national service in May 2020 in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.
The winger – immortalised as a Tottenham legend before moving stateside to Los Angeles FC – was among the top five recruits in his intake and received an award for his performance.
Having originally been required to serve 21 months, Son's service was shortened to three weeks after South Korea won the Asian Games in 2018.
The 2026 World Cup marks the fourth time the winger has represented his country.
Mohamed Salah
Set to leave Liverpool this summer after reaching an agreement with the Reds, Mohamed Salah served his native Egypt under his country's compulsory national service.
Serving as the club's undisputed talisman over nine consecutive seasons, he is yet to complete his service after being granted an official exemption in 2014, allowing him to continue his football career in Europe.
Additionally, he opted to enrol in an educational institute, which postponed his military obligations.
Mo will have eyes of a nation upon him this tournament, as Egypt look to end a 92-year wait for a victory in the World Cup.
Eric Cantona
Several former figures on the world stage have also had military backgrounds dating back years.
Before the Manchester United star became an icon for his audacious goals, high collar and kung fu kicks, Eric Cantona completed military service in his home country of France.
As King Eric's career was getting started, he was obligated to serve two years in the French army, which delayed his professional career.
However, he went on to play for his country's national team shortly after - and the rest is history.
Sir Bobby Charlton
Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United legend, 1966 World Cup winner and England's third all-time highest goal scorer after Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in Shrewsbury due to mandatory military service.
He regularly represented the Army football team, playing midweek matches while fulfilling his national duty, and served in the same year he made his debut for Manchester United - going on to play for his club 750 times.
Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards, another Manchester United legend, joined Sir Bobby Charlton and served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps at the same time as his teammate.
Tragically, he died when he was just 21 after the plane carrying Manchester United players crashed in thick snow in Munich – on the way back from a football match in Belgrade in February 1958.
A total of 23 people lost their lives, including eight players – who were known as the Busby Babes due to their footballing success under manager Matt Busby.
Ferenc Puskás
Regarded as the greatest Hungarian player ever, Ferenc Puskás had a glittering career that now sees FIFA's award for the best goal scored globally each year named after him.
While playing for Budapest Honved, each player was given a military rank.
Ferenc Puskás earned the title of major without ever serving in a war and was later referred to as the Galloping Major – as well as earning a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Paolo Maldini
Arguably one of the best defenders of all time, Paolo Maldini served in the military in Italy.
Military service was mandatory there until 2004 and, as he was coming up through the footballing ranks, he served some time in the Italian army.
He went on to make more than 900 appearances for AC Milan, winning numerous titles and Champions League trophies.
Fabio Cannavaro
Another infamous Italian defender, Fabio Cannavaro also served in the Italian military due to mandatory service.
He had a glittering football career, captaining Italy to a World Cup win in 2004 as well as winning multiple league titles in Spain with Real Madrid.
Cannavaro also enjoyed footballing success in the military, winning the World Military Cup while serving his country from 1995-1996.
Alongside him in the World Military Cup-winning team was also Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.
Gary Holt
Gary Holt, arguably less known than some others on this list, enjoyed a long career at Norwich City and earned 10 caps for Scotland.
However, before he became a mainstay in the Canaries midfield, Holt served in the Army Catering Corps.
He also played for the British Army's football team before eventually joining the Celtic youth team.
Teemu Tainio
You may remember Teemu Tainio for his time in the Premier League, playing for Tottenham, Sunderland and Birmingham City.
What you may not know, however, is that a teenage Tainio was once linked with a move to Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United before his military obligations meant he had to return back to his native country, Finland.
After completing his military duty in the Finnish Defence Forces, Tainio signed for Auxerre in France before finally breaking into the Premier League with Tottenham in 2005.
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