The 10 Oldest Players at the 2026 World Cup

Age in football has long ceased to be a sentence. While some players end their careers at 33-35 years old, others continue to take the field against the world's best teams after 40. The 2026 World Cup will be another proof that experience, professionalism, and attitude towards one's body and work can prolong a football life. After all, age is just a number in the passport.

In our ranking, we have collected the ten oldest footballers of the 2026 World Cup – from legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer, and Luka Modric to goalkeepers who have been playing at the highest level for the third decade in a row. And if someone thinks that age prevents winning matches, these veterans have something to answer.

The oldest participants in the 2026 World Cup

Craig Gordon (Scotland) – 43 years 5 months and 11 days

The goalkeeper of the Scotland national team will become the oldest footballer of the 2026 World Cup and the second oldest in the history of the World Cup in general. Craig Gordon's career is unique in that after a severe injury and several years out of elite football, he managed to return to a high level and again become the main goalkeeper of the national team. For the Celtic and Sunderland legend, now playing for Hearts, the 2026 World Cup could be the main achievement in his career.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 years 4 months and 6 days

Even after 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite football history. The legendary Portuguese remains the top scorer in international football and retains his place in the national team thanks to his productivity and physical preparation. The 2026 World Cup will be Ronaldo's sixth in his career - no one in the world has achieved this before. CR7 will be the oldest outfield player in the tournament.

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) – 40 years 10 months and 29 days

Guillermo Ochoa has long become a symbol of Mexican football and one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in World Cup championships. His outstanding performances at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, where he repeatedly saved his team in matches against favorites, brought him particular fame. The 40-year-old keeper is not considered Mexico's first choice for the home tournament, but the legend should get game time - it would be a very beautiful story.

Luka Modric (Croatia) – 40 years 9 months and 2 days

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner will become the oldest midfielder in the history of the World Cup. Luka remains the heart of the Croatian national team even at over 40 years old. Modric helped the country win silver at the 2018 World Cup and bronze at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the most successful footballer in the history of Croatian football. Despite his age, the midfielder still demonstrates a high level of play thanks to his football intelligence and outstanding field vision.

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 40 years 2 months and 25 days

Edin Dzeko remains the main symbol of the golden generation of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. During his career, the forward has managed to become a legend of the Premier League, Bundesligaand Serie A, as well as the top scorer in the history of the national team. Edin didn't achieve much with the national team, but even in his fifties, Dzeko continues to play a crucial role in the attack, hoping to give his home country memorable moments of the main tournament every four years.

Manuel Neuer (Germany) – 40 years 2 months and 15 days

Manuel Neuer is one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. A man who changed the perception of the goalkeeper's role. The 2014 World Cup champion became famous for his "sweeper-keeper" style of play, actively participating in ball distribution and actions outside the penalty area. Neuer ended his career in the national team, but returned to make Germany the most titled (along with Brazil) team on the planet.

Vozinha (Cabo Verde) – 40 years and 8 days

The goalkeeper of the Cabo Verde national team is a true legend of football in his country. For many years, Vozinha has been helping the national team achieve the best results in its history, remaining an important figure even after turning 40. For a small island nation, his experience and leadership qualities are of great importance on the international stage.

Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) – 39 years 11 months and 26 days

Fernando Muslera has been the number one goalkeeper for the Uruguay national team and one of the most consistent goalkeepers in South America for over a decade. With the national team, he won the Copa America and participated in several World Cups. Thanks to his vast experience, which will undoubtedly be useful in the locker room, Muslera remains an important figure for Uruguayan football even at the twilight of his career.

Yuto Nagatomo (Japan) – 39 years 8 months and 30 days

Yuto Nagatomo is one of the most titled and recognizable footballers in the history of the Japan national team. The defender played for Inter, participated in several World Cups, and became a symbol of stability in Japanese football. The 2026 World Cup may be another opportunity for him to add to the list of national team records. Nagatomo will become the oldest defender of the current World Cup, and if the Japanese make it to the playoffs, Yuto will break the record of Portugal's Pepe (39 years and 14 days), becoming the oldest defender in the history of the tournament.

Hernan Ismael Galindez (Ecuador) – 39 years 2 months and 12 days

Hernan Galindez has become one of the key players of the Ecuador national team in recent years and has helped the team establish itself among the strongest teams in South America. The Argentina-born player obtained Ecuadorian citizenship and quickly won the trust of the national team's coaching staff. Thanks to his experience and reliable play, the goalkeeper remains an important element of the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Bonus: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 38 years 11 months and 18 days

Lionel Messi just missed out on making it into the top ten oldest footballers of the 2026 World Cup. After all, Leo will turn 39 only during the tournament. But among field players by age, G.O.A.T. is fifth. Messi has already made history as a World Cup champion, holder of eight Golden Balls and One of the greatest players of all time. For the Argentine, the World Cup will be the sixth in his career – he will match the achievement of Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa.

Forecasts for all games of the 2026 World Cup are available in the tournament section.