2026 World Cup: The Oldest Players to Ever Take the Field

Oldest Competitors in World Cup History

Across nearly a century of World Cup tournaments, just eight players aged 40 or older have taken part in matches. The upcoming 2026 event might see that number rise significantly.

Essam El Hadary, Egypt’s goalkeeper, remains the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup game. He was 45 years and 161 days old when he played during Egypt’s 2-1 group stage loss to Saudi Arabia in 2018. That record surpasses any other by over two years.

This year, El Hadary’s record seems unlikely to be broken. Craig Gordon, Scotland’s goalkeeper, is currently the oldest squad member at 43 years old. If he plays in what will be Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years, Gordon would become the second-oldest player in tournament history.

Cristiano Ronaldo also has a chance to join this elite group. Should he participate in his sixth World Cup at age 41 or above, he would be one of the few players to compete at such an age.

Notable Veteran Players

Only a handful have played beyond 40 years old in the World Cup:

• Faryd Mondragon (Colombia)
• Roger Milla (Cameroon)
• Pat Jennings (Northern Ireland)

In the 2026 tournament, Manuel Neuer became the first player aged 40 or more to play, starting in Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao. This made him the seventh oldest player ever to feature in a World Cup match.

Other players who have passed 40 and are expected to participate include Bosnia and Herzegovina’s striker Edin Dzeko and Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha will turn 40 just before his team’s debut match against Spain on 15 June.

Goalkeepers Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) and Fernando Muslera (Uruguay), both in their forties, are also set to play in the tournament hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico.