World Cup 2026 to welcome eight more forty-somethings | OneFootball

According to Superdeporte, only seven players aged 40 had ever appeared at a World Cup, and eight more will join that historic list at World Cup 2026. It underlines how medical and technological advances are extending elite careers.

Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, born in Edinburgh on 31 December 1982, is the oldest of the tournament’s 1,248 call-ups. He is Heart of Midlothian’s first-choice and they came close to winning the Scottish Premiership. Angus Gunn, the alternative, played only one game for Nottingham Forest this season.

Gordon will not be the oldest in history. Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary set the mark at Russia 2018, facing Saudi Arabia and saving a penalty, yet defeat followed. His 45 years and 161 days eclipsed Faryd Mondragón, with Gordon at 43 poised to become the second oldest, pushing the Colombian down the list after his Brazil 2014 cameo.

The oldest world champion is also a goalkeeper, Dino Zoff, who lifted the trophy for Italy in 1982 at 40 years and 133 days. Angelo Peruzzi was in Germany 2006 without playing.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, heads the veterans in his sixth World Cup, with Lionel Messi and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa having debuted alongside him in Germany 2006. Messi turns 39 on 24 June and holds the World Cup appearance record with 26, four more than Ronaldo. The previous record was five, from Antonio Carbajal through to Andrés Guardado.

Others in the over-40 cohort are Luka Modric, Edin Dzeko, Manuel Neuer, Vozinha and, from 16 June, Fernando Muslera, who is at his fifth World Cup. Goalkeepers dominate because their role brings less physical load, targeted preparation and short, sharp efforts.

Source: Superdeporte