World Cup Free Agents: Stars Without Clubs Eyeing Next Move

The World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with the knockout rounds underway and the final set for 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium. While most players focus solely on national glory, a subset of 14 individuals have an added motivation: as of 2 July, they are technically unemployed. Once the tournament ends, they have no club to return to. Among them are high-profile stars such as Casemiro, James Rodriguez, and Mohamed Salah, who are unlikely to face financial hardship but still have much to prove—and risk injury—as they audition for future employers. BBC Sport examines the situations of the most notable free agents still chasing World Cup success.

Defenders and Midfielders in Transition

John Stones (England, 32, Last Club: Manchester City)

Stones departed Manchester City after a decade that yielded 15 major trophies. Despite recent injury issues, England manager Thomas Tuchel selected him for the squad. The centre-back has been linked with a return to former club Everton and Italian side AC Milan.

Casemiro (Brazil, 34, Last Club: Manchester United)

Manchester United released Casemiro due to his substantial wages, even after a strong final season at Old Trafford. His World Cup form has been inconsistent, but he scored a crucial equalizer in Brazil's comeback win over Japan in the round of 32. Casemiro is expected to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami after the tournament.

David Alaba (Austria, 33, Last Club: Real Madrid)

Alaba left Real Madrid this summer after five years, adding to a decorated club career that includes 12 league titles and four Champions League trophies. He has been named Austrian Footballer of the Year ten times. Despite reported interest from multiple clubs as his contract expired, Alaba has yet to sign a new deal.

Fabinho (Brazil, 32, Last Club: Al Ittihad)

The former Liverpool midfielder has finished his stint in the Saudi Pro League. In a January interview with Marca, Fabinho stated he was in no rush to decide his future and expressed a desire to return to Europe. At the World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has primarily used him as a substitute, indicating his importance to the squad.

Attacking Talents Seeking New Challenges

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 33, Last Club: Liverpool)

Salah's final months at Liverpool were strained as his relationship with manager Arne Slot deteriorated; both have since left the club. It is widely anticipated that Salah will move to the Saudi Pro League after the World Cup, but for now, his focus remains on leading Egypt through the knockout stages.

James Rodriguez (Colombia, 34, Last Club: Minnesota United)

MLS side Minnesota United hold an option to extend Rodriguez's contract by six months through the end of the year, but it has not been exercised. Given that the Colombian playmaker made only six appearances in the first half of the season—starting just two—the likelihood of an extension is uncertain. Rodriguez could soon be searching for his fifth club in less than three years.

Luka Modric (Croatia, 40, Last Club: AC Milan)

AC Milan have an option to extend Modric's contract for another year, but it remains unclear whether they will do so, if the veteran midfielder will continue elsewhere, or if he will retire. Modric struggled in Croatia's group-stage defeat to England but rebounded with strong performances against Panama and Ghana, setting up a highly anticipated knockout match against Portugal.