The 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone with seven players aged 40 or older participating, equaling the total number of players in all previous World Cups combined. CR7 (41 years, 126 days) is undoubtedly the most notable figure, alongside Guillermo Ochoa (40 years, 333 days), Luka Modric (40 years, 275 days), Edin Dzeko (40 years, 86 days), Manuel Neuer (40 years, 76 days), and Vozinha (40 years, 8 days). However, CR7 and Modric are not the oldest players.
The title of oldest player belongs to Craig Gordon, the Scottish goalkeeper, who will participate in the 2026 World Cup at the age of 43 years and 162 days. This goalkeeper previously played for Celtic and Sunderland. His 2007 transfer to Sunderland for $12 million made him the most expensive goalkeeper in the United Kingdom. Gordon's peak was from 2014 to 2020, when he won 5 Scottish league titles, 4 Scottish Cups, and 4 Scottish League Cups. In particular, he won the domestic treble in the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 seasons.
Ronaldo is participating in his sixth World Cup.
PHOTO: AP
What's remarkable about Gordon is that he was scheduled to retire in 2025 at the age of 42. However, manager Steve Clarke encouraged him to continue playing. He extended his contract with Hearts for another year, continuing as the reserve goalkeeper for the Scotland national team. This proved to be Gordon's best decision. He was promoted to the starting goalkeeper position to replace Angus Gunn (injured), contributing to Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark to qualify for the World Cup after a 28-year wait. Thanks to this, Coach Clarke included Gordon in Scotland's World Cup squad. After 20 years playing for the national team, this was Gordon's first time experiencing the World Cup atmosphere, a stark contrast to veterans who have participated in the world stage many times, such as CR7, Modric, Dzeko, or Neuer.
The surge in veteran players at the World Cup demonstrates the remarkable advancements in sports science , which have helped players improve their physical fitness and extend their careers. Of the seven players over 40 who previously played in the World Cup, most were goalkeepers, a position that doesn't demand much stamina. However, at the 2026 World Cup, only four of the oldest players on the list will be goalkeepers (Neuer, Vozinha, Gordon, and Ochoa). Alongside them are three "evergreen" players symbolizing endurance: CR7, Modric, and Dzeko. All three remain pillars of their national teams and can play at least three group stage matches.
This includes CR7's sixth World Cup appearance. The first time CR7 played in and scored at the World Cup (2006), Spanish star Lamine Yamal hadn't even been born yet. CR7 has scored in five World Cups, most impressively in the 2018 World Cup with four goals. According to coach Roberto Martinez, CR7 deserves to participate in the World Cup because he is a symbol of perseverance, diligence, and professionalism, even as he enters the twilight of his career. Modric also played for Croatia for 20 years, making 157 appearances. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, leading Croatia to the runner-up position. Despite being 40 years old, Modric has played 36 matches this season for AC Milan, being a crucial player in the midfield. In the friendly matches against Belgium and Slovenia, Modric started, playing 58 minutes, despite playing in the most active position on the field.
At the same time, thanks to the World Cup increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48, humble teams like Cape Verde are now included. This gives goalkeeper Vozinha (40 years and 8 days old) the chance to enter the World Cup record books. According to The Guardian, this is the interesting aspect of the 2026 World Cup. More teams, more stories, and the message "football for all" is more valuable than ever as unknown teams step onto the world stage.