Increase in players aged 40 and over at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen a notable rise in the participation of veteran players aged 40 or older. With Edin Dzeko participating in Bosnia's match against Switzerland, the current tournament has featured seven players aged 40-plus, surpassing the total of six such players seen in the previous 92 years of World Cup history from 1930 to 2022. Other players in this category during the 2026 tournament include Manuel Neuer, Fernando Muslera, Vozinha, Luka Modric, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo also set a personal record, becoming the oldest non-goalkeeper to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days in the game against DR Congo. The all-time record for the oldest player remains with Roger Milla, who played at 42 years and 38 days in 1994. Essam El-Hadary remains the oldest player to ever appear in a World Cup match at 45 years and 160 days.