The upcoming World Cup is set to challenge conventional wisdom, featuring a record number of players aged 40 or older, defying a sport often dominated by youthful exuberance. This tournament will see eight players in this seasoned category, surpassing the combined total from all 22 previous World Cups.
This remarkable cohort aims to emulate the legendary Cameroonian striker Roger Milla, who remains the oldest man to score at the finals, netting at 42 in the 1994 tournament. While Milla’s record for oldest scorer is unlikely to be broken this time, stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Edin Dzeko will be looking to join the exclusive over-40 World Cup goalscorers’ club.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, at 43, will be the oldest player at the 2026 finals. Should he play, he would become the second-oldest competitor in World Cup history, behind Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, who was 45 when he played in 2018. However, Gordon is expected to serve as backup to first-choice Angus Gunn.
open image in galleryCristiano Ronaldo, at 41, stands as the oldest outfield player and is set to participate in a record sixth World Cup. He shares this distinction with 40-year-old Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, while Lionel Messi, who turns 39 later this month, also features among the tournament’s veterans. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez emphasized Ronaldo’s unparalleled experience. “None have lived what he has in the number of decisive games he’s played over his career,” Martinez stated, adding, “He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match.”
Other players over 40 include Vozinha, goalkeeper for debutants Cape Verde, and 2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer, who is recovering from a calf injury and hopes to play for Germany against Curaçao. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will celebrate his 40th birthday next Tuesday, the day after Uruguay’s opening Group H match against Saudi Arabia.
Despite recent injury concerns for both Messi and Ronaldo, their reputations remain unblemished. Messi famously led Argentina to glory at the last World Cup, while Ronaldo boasts the remarkable achievement of scoring in all five previous tournaments he has played.