2026 FIFA World Cup
Starting in just two days, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become the oldest tournament in history. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this edition features eight players aged 40 or older—more than the total of seven such players across all 22 previous World Cups combined.
The oldest participant is Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who is 43 years and 162 days old and will be making his World Cup debut. Among outfield players, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41 years and 126 days, holds the title for the oldest. Ronaldo is competing in his record sixth World Cup. For context, the all-time age record remains with Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who played at the 2018 World Cup at 45 years and 5 months old.
List of Players Aged 40 and Over
The following players are included in their national teams’ final squads and are at least 40 years old:
- Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico, goalkeeper, 40 years 333 days)
- Luka Modrić (Croatia, midfielder, 40 years 275 days)
- Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina, forward, 40 years 86 days)
- Manuel Neuer (Germany, goalkeeper, 40 years 76 days)
- Vozinha (Cape Verde, goalkeeper, 40 years 8 days)
- Fernando Muslera (Uruguay, goalkeeper, 39 years 360 days, who will turn 40 on June 16)
Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia is scheduled for June 15, 2026. Notably, authorities in Mexico City have canceled school classes ahead of the World Cup, underscoring the event’s significance for the country.
Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup promises not only thrilling competition but also new milestones in football longevity. The rising number of players competing at an elite level well into their 40s may reflect advances in fitness training and medical care that allow athletes to sustain high performance over longer careers. This tournament could also serve as an inspiring example for young footballers striving for long-term success.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament not only highlights age-defying athletes but also introduces new regulations that could impact gameplay. For instance, the recent ban on tactical coaching during goalkeeper injuries aims to streamline match flow and maintain fairness on the field. Understanding these changes will be crucial for fans and teams alike as they navigate this historic event.