Age is just a number.
While the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature the next generation of stars, several veteran players continue to perform at the highest level. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi headline a group of players approaching their 40s – and beyond – who remain key figures for their national teams.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon enters the tournament as the oldest player in the field, while Ronaldo and Messi are set to add another chapter to their remarkable international careers.
Here’s a look at the oldest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Oldest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Seven players selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are 40 or older, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 years and 162 days old at the start of the tournament, is the oldest player selected.
Here’s a complete look at the 12 oldest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
| Player | Age (Birthday) | Position | Team |
| Craig Gordon | 43 (Dec. 31, 1982) | GK | Scotland |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 41 (Feb. 5, 1985 | CF | Portugal |
| Guillermo Ochoa | 40 (Jul. 13, 1985) | GK | Mexico |
| Luka Modric | 40 (Sep. 9, 1985) | CM | Croatia |
| Edin Dzeko | 40 (Mar. 17, 1986) | ST | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Manuel Neuer | 40 (Mar. 27, 1986) | GK | Germany |
| Vozinha | 40 (Jun. 3, 1986) | GK | Cape Verde |
| Fernando Muslera | 39 (Jun. 16, 1986) | GK | Uruguay |
| Yuto Nagatomo | 39 (Sep. 12, 1986) | LB | Japan |
| Hernan Galindez | 39 (Mar. 30, 1987) | GK | Ecuador |
| Mahdy Soliman | 39 (Jun. 8, 1987) | GK | Egypt |
| Lionel Messi | 38 (Jun. 24, 1987) | RW | Argentina |
One notable trend on this list is the number of goalkeepers. Six of the 12 oldest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are goalkeepers, including Craig Gordon, Guillermo Ochoa, Manuel Neuer, Vozinha, Fernando Muslera and Hernan Galindez.
That isn’t entirely surprising. Goalkeepers typically face less physical wear and tear than outfield players, allowing many to extend their careers well into their late 30s and 40s.
What stands out more is the presence of several veteran outfield players. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Edin Dzeko, Yuto Nagatomo and Lionel Messi have all remained key figures for their national teams despite approaching – or surpassing – 40 years of age.
Oldest players in World Cup history
7 players formerly featured at the World Cup aged over 40.
| Player | Age | Position | Last WC |
| Essam El Hadary | 45 | GK | 2018 |
| Faryd Mondragon | 43 | GK | 2014 |
| Roger Milla | 42 | ST | 1994 |
| Pat Jennings | 41 | GK | 1986 |
| Peter Shilton | 40 | GK | 1990 |
| Dino Zoff | 40 | GK | 1982 |
| Ali Boumnijel | 40 | GK | 2006 |
| Jim Leighton | 39 | GK | 1998 |
| David James | 39 | GK | 2010 |
| Atiba Hutchinson | 39 | CDM | 2022 |
Egypt’s Essam El Hadary remains the oldest player to ever appear at a FIFA World Cup, featuring at the 2018 tournament at 45 years and 161 days old. Cameroon legend Roger Milla holds the record for the oldest outfield player and oldest goalscorer in World Cup history after scoring against Russia in 1994 at age 42.
One notable trend among the oldest players in World Cup history is the dominance of goalkeepers. Eight of the 10 oldest players to appear at the tournament played between the posts, a reflection of how the position can allow players to extend their careers well into their 40s.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues that trend, with six goalkeepers featuring among the tournament’s 12 oldest players. However, veterans such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Edin Dzeko have shown that elite outfield players can also defy age and remain influential on soccer’s biggest stage.
