From Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modric, here are 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.

Cristiano Ronaldo,, the Portugal legend, is the second-oldest player in this year’s tournament at 41. Lionel Messi, the Argentina great, is the 12th-oldest player in the tournament at 38 years old, and will soon turn 39.

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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after the first half during the World Cup Group K match between Portugal and Congo in Houston on June 17, 2026. (Karen Warren/AP)

The USMNT captain, Tim Ream, is not only the oldest player on the team but also the 13th-oldest player in the tournament at 38 years old.

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Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Here are the 10 oldest players in this year’s World Cup.

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United States defender Tim Ream reacts after the game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on May 31, 2026. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

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

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