The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to showcase the sport’s next generation of stars, but several players in their 40s are still competing at the highest international level.
When the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, these veteran names will not just be making up the numbers. From experienced goalkeepers to former Ballon d’Or winners, each is still expected to play an important role for their respective countries on football’s biggest stage.
Yuto Nagatomo (39)
Perhaps surprisingly, Nagatomo was called up by Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu despite his limited involvement with the national team in recent years. The FC Tokyo defender was visibly moved to tears upon learning he would represent Japan at a fifth World Cup, setting a new record for an Asian footballer. Turning 40 in September, the 144-capped veteran is also five years older than the next oldest player in the squad, Shogo Taniguchi, underlining the remarkable longevity of the former Inter Milan full-back.
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Fernando Muslera (39)
Although Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has yet to officially confirm his final squad, Muslera is widely expected to be included for what would be his fifth World Cup involvement. Despite initially retiring from international duty in 2024, the Estudiantes goalkeeper returned to the national team for friendlies against England and Algeria in March 2026, signalling that Bielsa still values his experience despite the emergence of younger options.
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Vozinha (40)
Despite turning 40, the GD Chaves goalkeeper is the expected starting goalkeeper for Cape Verde ahead of 29-year-old Marcio Rosa and 25-year-old CJ dos Santos as the Blue Sharks make their World Cup debut.
Manuel Neuer (40)
Although he initially retired from international duty after EURO 2024, Neuer reversed his decision to return for a fifth World Cup with Germany. While injuries have disrupted the latter stages of his career, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is still expected to trust the Bayern Munich goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel when the tournament begins, relying on his leadership and elite ball-playing ability.
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Edin Dzeko (40)
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all-time leading scorer arrives at the World Cup after helping Schalke secure promotion back to the Bundesliga, further extending a career that has remained productive deep into his 40s. Despite his age, the German club are reportedly keen to extend his contract beyond June, highlighting how valuable the veteran striker still remains at both club and international level.
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Luka Modric (40)
Modric continues to orchestrate Croatia’s midfield at 40 while balancing international duty with the closing stages of his club career at AC Milan. However, reports have suggested the former Ballon d’Or winner could bring the curtain down on his illustrious playing career after the World Cup, potentially marking the final chapter for one of Croatia’s greatest-ever footballers.
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Guillermo Ochoa (40)
If he makes Mexico’s final squad on June 1, Ochoa will join Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among the few players to appear at six different World Cups. The AEL Limassol goalkeeper, who turns 41 during the tournament, has built a reputation as a World Cup specialist over the years, repeatedly producing standout performances on football’s biggest stage.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (41)
Ronaldo will become one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history at 41 as he prepares for his sixth appearance at the tournament. Fresh from leading Al Nassr to Saudi Pro League glory, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is still expected to spearhead Portugal’s attack, especially after scoring eight goals in nine international appearances in 2025.
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Craig Gordon (43)
If Gordon features during the tournament, the Scotland goalkeeper will become the second oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, surpassing Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon, who played at 43 years and three days in 2014. Only Egypt’s Essam El Hadary was older, having appeared against Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup aged 45 years and 161 days.
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