The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to break new ground for veteran participation, with eight players aged 40 or above named in squads for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. That figure is one more than the total number of such players who appeared across the previous 22 World Cups combined, according to Reuters.
FIFA has also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be the biggest edition yet. Final squad submissions list 1,248 players, representing 48 national teams, for the expanded competition. Tournament organisers state that there will be more teams, more footballers and more matches than at any earlier staging of the event.
'Veteran Stars' At FIFA World Cup 2026
Among those experienced names, Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is expected to be the oldest player
present. Gordon will be 43 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, if selected for the pitch, would rank as the second-oldest player in tournament history. Only Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played at 45 against Saudi Arabia in 2018, has appeared at an older age.
Gordon is not guaranteed minutes, though. The Scotland squad views Angus Gunn as the first-choice goalkeeper, so Gordon is likely to provide backup. That role would still add another chapter to a long international career, even without adding to Gordon's total of World Cup appearances.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo's Most-Awaited LAST DANCE
The oldest outfield player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41. Ronaldo is on course to take part in a record sixth World Cup. That appearance mark is shared with Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, aged 40, and Lionel Messi, who turns 39 later this month and remains central to Argentina's plans.
Several other players who are at least 40 are also included in squads. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is preparing for a World Cup debut at that age. Germany's Manuel Neuer, a winner in 2014, is another veteran name. Neuer is working to overcome a calf injury and aims to be fit to play against Curacao in Houston on Sunday.
Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is also entering the World Cup as a veteran option. Uruguay start their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia in Miami on Monday. Muslera will celebrate turning 40 the following day, extending a long association with the national team on the global stage.
| Player | Nation | Age during 2026 World Cup | Position | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Gordon | Scotland | 43 | Goalkeeper | Could become second-oldest World Cup player |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 41 | Forward | Set for record sixth World Cup |
| Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | 40 | Goalkeeper | Also targeting a sixth World Cup |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 39 | Forward | Reigning World Cup champion with Argentina |
| Vozinha | Cape Verde | 40+ | Goalkeeper | World Cup debutant |
| Manuel Neuer | Germany | 40+ | Goalkeeper | 2014 World Cup winner, recovering from calf injury |
| Fernando Muslera | Uruguay | 40 | Goalkeeper | Turns 40 the day after Uruguay's Group H opener |
Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions. The team won the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with Lionel Messi leading Argentina past France in a dramatic final. The match finished 3-3 after extra time, before Argentina prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout to claim the trophy.
