Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Among the Oldest Players at 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase some of football’s most legendary players who continue to defy age and compete at the highest level, securing their places in their respective national teams for the highly anticipated global event.

Leading the list of the oldest players participating in the tournament is Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who at 43 years and 162 days old, demonstrates that experience remains a crucial element in major competitions.

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo follows closely in second place at 41 years and 126 days, continuing to add chapters to his illustrious career with the Portugal national team. Mexican veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa ranks third at 40 years and 333 days.

Also featured on this list is Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić, participating at 40 years and 275 days, along with Bosnia’s Edin Džeko and Germany’s Manuel Neuer, both of whom have surpassed the age of forty.

The roster includes several seasoned players who maintain their international standing, including Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo, and Ecuadorian Hernán Galíndez.

From an Arab perspective, Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Soliman is among the oldest participants in the tournament at 39 years and 3 days old, serving as one of Egypt’s key experienced players during the World Cup.

The list also features two modern football legends: Argentine Lionel Messi, who will be competing at 38 years and 352 days old, alongside defender Nicolás Otamendi. Other notable names include American Tim Ream and Brazilian Weverton, as well as several stars continuing their international careers despite advancing age.

This list underscores the immense value of experience in major tournaments, as many teams rely on veteran players who possess extensive experience and are adept at handling pressure in crucial matches while younger generations strive to make their mark on the global stage.

Top 20 Oldest Players at the 2026 World Cup

1. Craig Gordon (Scotland) – 43 years and 162 days
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 years and 126 days
3. Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) – 40 years and 333 days
4. Luka Modrić (Croatia) – 40 years and 275 days
5. Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 40 years and 86 days
6. Manuel Neuer (Germany) – 40 years and 76 days
7. Fozinia (Cape Verde) – 40 years and 8 days
8. Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) – 39 years and 360 days
9. Yuto Nagatomo (Japan) – 39 years and 272 days
10. Hernán Galíndez (Ecuador) – 39 years and 73 days
11. Mohamed Soliman (Egypt) – 39 years and 3 days
12. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 38 years and 352 days
13. Tim Ream (United States) – 38 years and 249 days
14. Weverton (Brazil) – 38 years and 180 days
15. Alberto Quintero (Panama) – 38 years and 175 days
16. Johnny Placid (Haiti) – 38 years and 133 days
17. Nicolás Otamendi (Argentina) -38 years and119 days
18. Gatito Fernández (Paraguay) -38 years and74 days
19. Stopira (Cape Verde) -38 yearsand22days
20. Michael Boxall (New Zealand) -37yearsand297days.