Not Ronaldo or Ochoa: who is the oldest player at the 2026 World Cup? Top 10 revealed

The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era for a generation of players who have left a lasting mark on international soccer. Figures such as Guillermo Ochoa, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić are expected to be playing in the final World Cup of their illustrious careers.

FIFA has released the list of the oldest players set to take part in the tournament. According to the official records, only seven players will be over the age of 40 when the ball starts rolling on June 11, 2026.

Topping the list is Craig Gordon, who will be the oldest player at the tournament. The Scotland goalkeeper will be 43 years and 162 days old when the opening stage of the competition begins, making him the most senior player.

Ochoa among the oldest players at the 2026 World Cup

Guillermo Ochoa will once again make history with the Mexican national team. The veteran goalkeeper is set to appear at his sixth World Cup, an achievement reserved for only a select group of players in soccer history. He will be 40 years and 333 days old when Mexico opens its campaign against South Africa, in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance.

Another name drawing plenty of attention is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain will arrive at the tournament aged 41 years and 126 days, making him the second-oldest player in the competition.

The list also features Luka Modrić, who continues to add remarkable chapters to his international career with Croatia. The midfielder will be 40 years and 275 days old at the World Cup, aware that this could be his final opportunity to represent his country on the sport’s biggest stage.

The 10 oldest players at the 2026 World Cup

• Craig Gordon – Scotland – 43 years, 162 days
• Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – 41 years, 126 days
• Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico – 40 years, 333 days
• Luka Modrić – Croatia – 40 years, 275 days
• Edin Džeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina – 40 years, 86 days
• Manuel Neuer – Germany – 40 years, 76 days
• Vozinha – Cape Verde – 40 years, 8 days
• Fernando Muslera – Uruguay – 39 years, 365 days
• Yuto Nagatomo – Japan – 39 years, 272 days
• Hernán Galíndez – Ecuador – 39 years, 73 days

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