Record Eight Players Aged 40-Plus Set to Feature at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Experience is valued as Ronaldo, Messi and other veterans join a record eight players aged 40 or older at the tournament.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a record eight players aged 40 or older, surpassing the total number of such players who appeared across all 22 previous tournaments combined.
- In a sport where youth is typically prized, this tournament defies conventional wisdom by fielding a remarkable cohort of "elder statesmen" who bring vast experience to their national teams.
- Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, stands as the oldest player at the finals, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to compete in their sixth World Cup.
- Portugal coach Roberto Martinez emphasized Ronaldo's "vast experience," stating, "He also brings experience in decisive moments that nobody else in the squad can match."
- FIFA confirmed a record-breaking participation for this expanded tournament, with 1,248 players from 48 nations competing in more matches than any previous edition.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
The AgeGolden oldies’ World Cup: How these ageing stars are still going strong at 40
Not since 1994 has an outfield player aged 40 or older appeared at the tournament. Eight editions and 32 years later, a high-profile trio are set to join the club.
The Province
Vancouver SunWorld Cup: No country for old men? Tell that to Ronaldo and Messi
Canada’s World Cup squad is, on average, nearly a year younger than the one that competed in Qatar four years ago. There are fewer players older than 30, too.
aninews.in
Record eight players aged 40-plus set to feature at 2026 FIFA World Cup
The oldest player expected at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 at the tournament and, if he plays, would become the second-oldest World Cup appearance-maker in history behind Egypt's Essam El Hadary, who played at 45 against Saudi Arabia in 2018.
Soccer-More oldies than ever at World Cup as over-40s rock on - Regional Media News
By Mark Gleeson June 9 (Reuters) - In a sport where youth is a highly prized commodity, the World Cup starting this week offers evidence you cannot keep a good man down. A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined. The previous entrants in this rarefied category include six goalkeepers and Cameroonian striker R…
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