Record eight players aged 40-plus set to feature at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Washington DC, June 10
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a record eight players aged 40 or older in squad selections for the tournament, which will be staged across Canada, Mexico, and the United States--surpassing by one the total number of such players who have appeared across all previous 22 editions combined, according to Reuters.
The oldest player expected at the FIFA World Cup is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 at the tournament and, if he plays, would become the second-oldest World Cup appearance-maker in history behind Egypt's Essam El Hadary, who played at 45 against Saudi Arabia in 2018. However, Gordon is likely to serve as backup to first-choice keeper Angus Gunn.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will be the oldest outfield player at 41 and is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup. He shares that milestone with 40-year-old Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Lionel Messi, who turns 39 later this month.
Other players aged over 40 at this tournament include Cape Verde's debutant goalkeeper Vozinha and Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer, who is aiming to recover from a calf injury in time to feature against Curacao in Houston on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will turn 40 next Tuesday, a day after Uruguay open their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia in Miami.
FIFA has confirmed a record-breaking participation for the 2026 World Cup, with final squad lists revealing 1,248 players from 48 nations set to compete in the expanded global tournament.
Notably, the 2026 World Cup will feature more teams, players and matches than any previous edition of the marquee event, as per the FIFA Website.
Argentina are the reigning champion of the World Cup after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Led by legendary footballer Lionel Messi, Argentina defeated France in a thrilling final decided on penalties (4-2) after the match ended 3-3 in extra time.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this makes me a bit worried for the younger players. While I respect their longevity, it feels like the World Cup is turning into a retirement party. I mean, 1,248 players from 48 nations? The expanded format is watering down the competition. But I guess we'll see how it plays out. Still excited for Messi's last dance maybe? 🇦🇷
As an Indian football fan, I can't help but feel a bit of FOMO—48 teams and we're still not there! But this record is amazing to see. Ronaldo and Messi sharing the stage at this age is nostalgic. Still, Scotland's Craig Gordon at 43 as a backup? That's mad respect for his dedication, but maybe they should give younger keepers a chance. 🤷♀️
Honestly, this is inspiring but also depressing. These players are older than my dad! 😂 But on a serious note, it shows how much the game has changed. The fact that an outfield player like Ronaldo can play at 41 while most players retire by 35 is insane. But I worry about the pace—can they really keep up with younger legs? Excited to see though!
I'm all for the legends continuing their careers, but this record is a bit overhyped. The World Cup used to be about the best of the best, now it's becoming a nostalgia tour. Still, kudos to Manuel Neuer trying to come back from injury at 40—that's true grit. And let's be honest, no one can forget Messi's magic in 2022. Argentina forever! 🇦🇷
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