The 10 oldest players competing at the 2026 World Cup

There is nothing like the World Cup, and nothing can prepare someone more for the sport’s biggest tournament better than experience.

Some of these players are more than double the age of some of their youngest teammates. While they might not have the same burst they had in their prime, they bring an important blend of leadership and experience to their teams.

1. Craig Gordon – Scotland, 43 years old, born Dec. 31, 1982

2.Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal, 41 years old, born Feb. 5, 1985

3. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico, 40 years old, born July 13, 1985

4. Luka Modric – Croatia, 40 years old, born Sept. 9, 1985

5. Edin Dzeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina, 40 years old, born March 17, 1986

6. Manuel Neuer – Germany, 40 years old, born March 27, 1986

7. Vozinha – Cabo Verde, 40 years old, born June 3, 1986

8. Fernando Muslera – Uruguay, 39 years old, born June 16, 1986

9. Yuto Nagatomo – Japan, 39 years old, born Sept. 12, 1986

10. Hernán Galíndez – Ecuador, 39 years old, born March 30, 1987