League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among oldest players in World Cup 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 3:07 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among oldest players in World Cup 2026

Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi return for their sixth World Cup in 2026, joining a list of veterans on the field. Among them, Scotland's Craig Gordon will be the oldest player at 43 years old. A total of seven players in the tournament are 40 or older, including goalkeepers like Guillermo Ochoa and Manuel Neuer. Goalkeepers dominate the list, but several outfield players also maintain significant roles despite approaching 40. The presence of these experienced athletes highlights the longevity of their careers in international soccer.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Craig Gordon is the oldest player at 43 years old.
•Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among seven players aged 40 or older.
•Six out of the 12 oldest players are goalkeepers.
•Luka Modric and Edin Dzeko also feature among veteran players.
•The 2026 World Cup marks Ronaldo and Messi's sixth appearance.

Latest Updates

3:07 PMYahoo Sports — Oldest players in the World Cup: Where Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and others rank in 2026

What they're saying

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are back for a sixth World Cup, but where do they rank among the tournament's oldest players? Here's a look at the veterans set to feature in 2026.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

FIFA World Cup Soccer