2026 World Cup: The Oldest Players to Ever Compete

Veterans of the World Cup Stage

Only eight players aged 40 or older have ever played in men's World Cup matches throughout the tournament's 96-year history. This summer's event could see that number rise.

Essam El Hadary, Egypt's goalkeeper, holds the record as the oldest player to appear in a World Cup game. He was 45 years and 161 days old when he played in the 2018 group stage against Saudi Arabia, setting the mark by over two years.

This year, El Hadary's record is unlikely to be broken. Craig Gordon, Scotland’s 43-year-old goalkeeper, is currently the oldest squad member named for the tournament. If he plays, it will be Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, making Gordon the second-oldest player in the event’s history.

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal, could also join this exclusive club by participating at age 41 or older, marking his sixth World Cup appearance.

Other Notable Older Players

Besides El Hadary, only a few have played beyond 40 at the World Cup. These include former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, Cameroon’s legendary striker Roger Milla, and Northern Ireland’s Pat Jennings.

Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made history at the 2026 tournament by starting in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao at age 40 years and 79 days, becoming the seventh oldest player ever.

Striker Edin Dzeko from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatian midfielder Luka Modric have both passed 40 and are expected to compete. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha will turn 40 just before their first-ever World Cup match against Spain on June 15.

The tournament also features other goalkeepers in their forties, such as Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera.