Khairul Alam ; Sports Desk – “Age is just a number”—the age-old proverb is about to be proven true once again on football’s grandest stage. The upcoming FIFA World Cup is set to witness a mesmerizing display of mastery from a remarkable group of veteran footballers.
The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While modern football typically favors the explosive speed and stamina of youth, seven “ageless” footballers aged 40 or older are arriving at the global showpiece with a wealth of invaluable experience.
Interestingly, in the entire history of the World Cup prior to this edition, only eight players aged 40 or above had ever taken part. Now, a single tournament will nearly double that number.
The biggest attraction on this historic list is undoubtedly Portuguese megastar Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41 years old, CR7 is poised to make history by appearing in his record-breaking sixth World Cup.
However, he is not the oldest player in the tournament. That distinction belongs to Scotland’s veteran goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.
At 43 years old, the seasoned shot-stopper will be the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup and remains the primary guardian of the net for Scotland, who are returning to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus.
Right behind him is Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite being 41, the icon’s lethal instincts remain completely intact. The forward has officially guaranteed his place on the pitch to become the first player in football history to feature in six distinct World Cup tournaments.
Meanwhile, Luka Modrić may be 40, but he remains the undisputed engine of the Croatian midfield. Having masterminded his country’s sensational runs to the final and semifinal in the last two editions, the midfield magician is determined to seize his ultimate shot at glory.
Germany’s Manuel Neuer, widely regarded as the pioneer of the modern “sweeper-keeper” role, also joins the elite club. The 40-year-old goalkeeper has once again been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the net for Die Mannschaft.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 40-year-old talisman, Edin Džeko, will serve as the commander-in-chief of his nation’s attack. The veteran striker carries the hopes of his country’s frontline on his broad, experienced shoulders.
Mexico’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa famously transforms into an absolute superhuman whenever the World Cup arrives. Earning a call-up for his home tournament, Ochoa is on the verge of touching history by joining the exclusive six-World Cup club.
Finally, Cape Verde is set to make their historic first-ever World Cup appearance, and one of their biggest pillars of hope is their 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper, Vozinha.