The 2026 FIFA World Cup features several veteran players aged 40 or older, including Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (born 5 February 1985, age 41) and Croatia's Luka Modric (born 9 September 1985, age 40). Both are among the oldest outfield players in the tournament's history.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has scored in the group stage but faced criticism for his reduced mobility. Modric, still with Real Madrid, has been praised for his passing accuracy but has been substituted in two matches due to fatigue.
Other notable older players include Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (born 13 July 1985, age 40) and Brazil's defender Dani Alves (born 6 May 1983, age 43), though Alves has not played a minute in the tournament. Their participation highlights the trend of top players extending careers through advanced fitness regimes.
FIFA data shows that the average age of players at the 2026 World Cup is 27.8, up from 27.2 in 2022. The oldest player in the tournament is Alves at 43, followed by Ronaldo and Ochoa.
