2026 World Cup will have record number of players over 40

The World Cup that starts this week offers proof that, even in a sport that increasingly values youth, experience continues to have a place.

A record eight players aged 40 and over were called up to play in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The number alone exceeds the total recorded in the 22 previous editions of the World Cup combined, which had seven athletes in this age group.

To date, the members of this select group have included six goalkeepers and Cameroonian striker Roger Milla, who remains the oldest player to score a goal in World Cups. He scored goals at the age of 42 during the 1994 edition.

Continue lendo

09/06/2026

In 'D-Day', Spielberg seeks charm from alien classics like 'E.T.' and 'Close contacts'; g1 already seen

When the greatest director of all time returns to his favorite subject, aliens, you better pay attention. In "D-Day",...

09/06/2026

Richarlison responds to criticism of his son's name and says: 'He won't need to work'

Richarlison alongside his son, Richarlison Jr.Social mediaRicharlison caused controversy on social media after respond...

09/06/2026

Somali referee removed from the World Cup after being barred by the USA would make history for his country; get to know

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan in a photo from January 2024.Kenzo Tribouillard/AFPSomali referee Omar Artan, who...

Milla's feat will not be surpassed this time, but names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Edin Džeko will try to join the group of players over 40 who have scored goals in World Cups.

The oldest athlete in the 2026 edition will be Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43. If he takes the field, he will occupy second place on the list of oldest players to play in a World Cup, behind only Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who was 45 years old when he defended Egypt against Saudi Arabia, in Volgograd, in the 2018 World Cup.

Despite the historic milestone, Gordon is expected to start the tournament as a backup to starter Angus Gunn.

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 In Awe Of You Jesus Culture

2 Amor Tão Grande Júnior de Lima

3 Musa De Copacabana Carlinho Motta

4 Mulheres Em Missão Igreja Adventista do…

Iran's team will not be able to stay in the USA between World Cup matches | CNN NEW DAY

Among the outfield players, Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest, at 41 years old. The Portuguese will compete in his sixth World Cup, equaling a record that also belongs to Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, and Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 later this month.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez stated that he relies mainly on CR7's enormous experience.

"Few have experienced what he has experienced due to the number of decisive matches he has played throughout his career. He also brings experience in decisive moments that no one else in the squad can match," said Martínez.

Veteran goalkeeper
The list of players over 40 in this World Cup also includes goalkeepers Vozinha, from Cape Verde, a team making their debut at the World Cup, and Manuel Neuer, world champion in 2014. Neuer hopes to be fit to defend Germany against Curaçao, in Houston, on Sunday (14), after facing problems caused by a calf injury.

Another veteran is Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who will turn 40 next Tuesday, one day after Uruguay's debut against Saudi Arabia, in Miami, in Group H.

Although Messi and Ronaldo have faced physical problems in recent months, their prestige remains intact. Messi led Argentina to the title in the last World Cup, while Ronaldo already has the impressive record of having scored goals in all five editions of the tournament he has played in.

Mbappé reveals which players he would like to face in the World Cup

Source: CNN