In a sport where youth is often viewed as its most valuable currency, the 2026 World Cup is proving that experience still has a place on the biggest stage.
A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, one more than the total number of over-40 participants across the previous 22 editions combined.
Historically, only six goalkeepers and Cameroonian striker Roger Milla had played at a World Cup after turning 40. Milla remains the oldest goalscorer in tournament history after finding the net at the age of 42 during the 1994 finals in the United States.
While that record appears safe for now, several veterans will hope to join Milla in the exclusive club of World Cup goalscorers aged 40 or above, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Edin Dzeko.
The oldest player at this year’s tournament is expected to be Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who is 43. Should he feature, Gordon would become the second-oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, behind Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 45 when he played against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 finals in Russia.
Gordon is likely to serve as backup to Scotland’s first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, aged 41, is the oldest outfield player in the tournament and is set to appear at a record sixth World Cup. He shares that distinction with Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, while Lionel Messi will make his sixth appearance as well after turning 39 later this month.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Ronaldo’s value extends far beyond his performances on the pitch.
“None have lived what he has in the number of decisive games he’s played over his career,” Martinez said.
“He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match.”
The tournament’s other over-40 representatives include Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, Germany’s Manuel Neuer and Uruguay veteran Fernando Muslera.
Neuer, a World Cup winner in 2014, is hoping to recover from a calf injury in time for Germany’s opening match against Curaçao in Houston, while Muslera turns 40 next Tuesday, a day after Uruguay begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia in Miami.
Although both Messi and Ronaldo have dealt with injuries in recent months, their legacies remain firmly intact. Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, while Ronaldo holds the unique distinction of scoring in each of the five World Cups he has previously contested.
Their continued presence, along with a growing group of veteran internationals, offers further proof that longevity remains one of sport’s rarest and most remarkable achievements.
