SEVEN PLAYERS AGED 40 AND ABOVE SET TO FEATURE AT THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

Age continues to prove no barrier for some of football’s most enduring stars, with seven players aged 40 and above expected to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, is set to showcase not only emerging talent but also remarkable longevity at the highest level of international football.

Leading the list is Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is preparing for what would become a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance — a feat unmatched in the modern era.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is expected to arrive as the tournament’s oldest player at 43 years and 162 days, further underlining the growing longevity of elite athletes in modern football.

Below are the players aged 40 and above currently expected to feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Craig Gordon (Scotland)
At 43, the experienced goalkeeper is expected to become the oldest player at the tournament, continuing a career defined by resilience and longevity.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Now 41, Ronaldo is on course to become the first footballer to appear in six FIFA World Cups, further strengthening his legendary international career.

Luka Modrić (Croatia)
The 40-year-old midfielder remains central to Croatia’s ambitions and continues to demonstrate exceptional quality and leadership on the international stage.

Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Germany’s veteran goalkeeper, aged 40, is expected to add another World Cup chapter to an already distinguished career.

Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
At 40, the experienced forward is anticipated to continue leading his nation’s attacking line with his experience and goalscoring ability.

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
The Mexican goalkeeper is expected to feature at a sixth World Cup at the age of 40, representing one of the competition’s most recognisable and enduring figures.

Vozinha (Cape Verde)
The 40-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be part of Cape Verde’s squad as the nation prepares for what could become a historic first FIFA World Cup appearance.

The presence of these players highlights how modern fitness standards, preparation and professionalism continue to extend careers at the highest level. While younger generations will dominate headlines throughout the competition, these experienced figures will once again demonstrate that age remains only one part of football’s story.