Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon is set to become the oldest player at the FIFA World Cup 2026, leading a list of experienced stars selected for the tournament. Aged 43 years and 162 days on 11 June 2026, the Scotland international heads the rankings ahead of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 years and 126 days old.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa ranks third at 40 years and 333 days, followed by Croatia playmaker Luka Modric (40 years, 275 days). Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer also feature among the tournament's oldest participants. The list highlights the remarkable longevity of several international stars, including Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who remains among the oldest players in the competition at 38 years and 352 days.
Oldest Players at FIFA World Cup 2026 (Ages as of 11 June 2026)
- Craig Gordon (Scotland) – 43 years, 162 days
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 years, 126 days
- Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) – 40 years, 333 days
- Luka Modric (Croatia) – 40 years, 275 days
- Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 40 years, 86 days
- Manuel Neuer (Germany) – 40 years, 76 days
- Vozinha (Cabo Verde) – 40 years, 8 days
- Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) – 39 years, 360 days
- Yuto Nagatomo (Japan) – 39 years, 272 days
- Hernan Galindez (Ecuador) – 39 years, 73 days
- Mahdy Soliman (Egypt) – 39 years, 3 days
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 38 years, 352 days
- Tim Ream (USA) – 38 years, 249 days
- Weverton (Brazil) – 38 years, 180 days
- Alberto Quintero (Panama) – 38 years, 175 days
- Johny Placide (Haiti) – 38 years, 133 days
- Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina) – 38 years, 119 days
- Gatito Fernandez (Paraguay) – 38 years, 74 days
- Stopira (Cabo Verde) – 38 years, 22 days
- Michael Boxall (New Zealand) – 37 years, 297 days
From goalkeepers to outfield stars, a remarkable group of seasoned internationals will compete at World Cup 2026, proving that age is no barrier to performing on football's biggest stage.
