FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to create a unique and historic record in football history, with a record eight players aged 40 or above expected to participate in the mega event being hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
This number is higher than the total number of players aged over 40 who featured across all previous 22 FIFA World Cups.
From 1930 to 2022, only seven players above the age of 40 participated in football’s global tournament. Older players at World Cups have usually been goalkeepers, but the 2026 edition is expected to highlight that age is only a number.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43, could be the oldest player at this World Cup. Reports suggest Gordon will be part of the squad as a substitute goalkeeper. If he takes the field, he will become the second-oldest player in World Cup history.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi will be 38 during this World Cup and will also be playing his sixth World Cup.
The oldest player in FIFA World Cup history is Essam El-Hadary, who represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup at the age of 45.
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Football legend and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, will be the oldest outfield player at this World Cup. By playing the sixth World Cup of his career, he will also set another global record.
Croatia’s legendary midfielder Luka Modric is also part of the 40-year-old players’ club for this World Cup. He will lead his team in his fifth World Cup. Bosnia’s renowned striker Edin Dzeko is also expected to be in action.
Other players on the list include Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose African team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Germany’s famous goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup, is also set to return to the field at the age of 40.
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Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will celebrate his 40th birthday the day after his team’s first group match. Mexico’s famous goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will also play the sixth World Cup of his career at the age of 40.
Roger Milla of Cameroon holds the record for being the oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. He made history by scoring at the age of 42 in the 1994 World Cup and remains the oldest player to score in the finals.
