Age is just a number — especially in football.
At the FIFA World Cup 2026, a remarkable group of 8 players aged 40 and above will step onto the world’s biggest stage. From seasoned goalkeepers to all-time greats, these legends are proving that passion and dedication have no expiry date.
Let’s meet every one of these incredible veterans making history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 8 Players Over 40 at FIFA World Cup 2026
1. Craig Gordon — 43 Years, 167 Days (Scotland)
The oldest player at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Craig Gordon, brings a wealth of experience to Scotland’s squad as their veteran goalkeeper.
At over 43 years old, Gordon will serve as a leader and mentor in the dressing room. His presence alone gives Scotland a psychological edge — an experience that no training session can teach.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo — 41 Years, 131 Days (Portugal)
No introduction needed. Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to his 6th FIFA World Cup — a feat very few players in history have achieved.
Across his previous five World Cups, Ronaldo has racked up:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 22 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Best Finish | 4th Place (2006) |
Portugal’s best World Cup finish came in 2006, and at 41, Ronaldo will be desperate to go one step further in 2026.
3. Guillermo Ochoa — 40 Years, 338 Days (Mexico)
Just like Ronaldo, Guillermo Ochoa is also attending his 6th FIFA World Cup — a stunning milestone for Mexico’s legendary goalkeeper.
However, Ochoa is expected to start the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a backup goalkeeper, with Mexico’s opening match against South Africa. He may not be the first choice, but his experience in the squad is priceless.
4. Luka Modrić — 40 Years, 280 Days (Croatia)
The maestro of the midfield, Luka Modrić, is one of the greatest players of his generation — and he’s still going.
His World Cup record is extraordinary:
- 19 World Cup appearances across four tournaments
- 2 goals and 1 assist
- Led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final
- Won Best Player of the Tournament in 2018
At 40, Modrić remains Croatia’s heartbeat — calm, creative, and competitive.
5. Edin Džeko — 40 Years, 91 Days (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The pride of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Džeko, brings experience and leadership to his nation’s squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
So far in his World Cup career, Džeko has:
- Played 3 matches
- Scored 1 goal
As Bosnia’s most experienced and oldest player, Džeko’s role extends far beyond the pitch.
6. Manuel Neuer — 40 Years, 81 Days (Germany)
A 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, Manuel Neuer is one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game.
His World Cup résumé is stunning:
| Tournament | Year |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 2010 |
| FIFA World Cup (Winner 🏆) | 2014 |
| FIFA World Cup | 2018 |
| FIFA World Cup | 2022 |
With 19 World Cup appearances across four tournaments, Neuer arrives in 2026 as one of the most decorated keepers in the competition’s history.
7. Vozinha — 40 Years, 13 Days (Cape Verde)
One of the most exciting stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 — Cape Verde is making their tournament debut, and leading the charge in goal is veteran keeper Vozinha.
At 40 years old, Vozinha will guard the net for a nation experiencing the World Cup for the very first time. What a moment that will be.
8. Fernando Muslera — 40 Years (Uruguay)
Rounding out the list is Uruguay’s trusted shot-stopper, Fernando Muslera, heading to his 4th FIFA World Cup.
His international record is impressive:
- 16 World Cup appearances
- Represented Uruguay in 2010, 2014, and 2018
- Now set to add a 4th chapter to his World Cup story in 2026
Quick Summary Table: 8 Players Over 40 at FIFA World Cup 2026
| Player | Age | Country | Position | World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Gordon | 43Y 167D | Scotland | Goalkeeper | 1st |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 41Y 131D | Portugal | Forward | 6th |
| Guillermo Ochoa | 40Y 338D | Mexico | Goalkeeper | 6th |
| Luka Modrić | 40Y 280D | Croatia | Midfielder | 5th |
| Edin Džeko | 40Y 91D | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Forward | 2nd |
| Manuel Neuer | 40Y 81D | Germany | Goalkeeper | 5th |
| Vozinha | 40Y 13D | Cape Verde | Goalkeeper | 1st |
| Fernando Muslera | 40Y | Uruguay | Goalkeeper | 4th |
Key Takeaways
- 6 of the 8 players are goalkeepers — proof that keepers age like fine wine.
- Ronaldo and Ochoa are both making their 6th World Cup appearance, tying for the most in this group.
- Craig Gordon, at 43, is the oldest player at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Vozinha and Cape Verde are the most exciting debut stories of the tournament.
- Modrić and Neuer remain elite performers even past 40.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the oldest player at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Craig Gordon of Scotland is the oldest player at the FIFA World Cup 2026, aged 43 years and 167 days. He serves as Scotland’s veteran goalkeeper and team leader.
How many players over 40 are playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A total of 8 players over the age of 40 are competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including legendary names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Manuel Neuer.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes! Cristiano Ronaldo is playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it his 6th World Cup. He has scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists across his previous five tournaments.
Which player is attending their 6th FIFA World Cup in 2026?
Both Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) are attending their 6th FIFA World Cup in 2026, a remarkable achievement for both veterans.
Is Manuel Neuer still playing at the World Cup level?
Yes, Manuel Neuer is competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at age 40. He is a 2014 World Cup winner with 19 career World Cup appearances, making him one of the most experienced players at the tournament.
I’m a football writer, covering top leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. I write about match analysis, football news, tactics, and major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, delivering clear, engaging insights for fans.
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