Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among the oldest World Cup players in 2026

There’s nothing like the World Cup, and nothing can prepare someone for the sport’s biggest tournament better than experience.

Some of these players are more than twice the age of some of their youngest teammates. While they may 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 Portuguese legend, is the second-oldest player in this year’s tournament at 41. Argentina great Lionel Messi is the 12th oldest player in the tournament at 38 years old and will soon turn 39.

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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 between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, 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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USA defensive lineman Tim Ream reacts after the game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on May 31, 2026. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

1. Craig Gordon – Scotland, 43 years old, born 31 December 1982
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal, 41 years old, born 5 February 1985
3. Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico, 40 years old, born July 13, 1985
4. Luka Modric – Croatia, 40 years old, born September 9, 1985
5. Edin Dzeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina, 40 years old, born 17 March 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 16 June 1986
9. Yuto Nagatomo – Japan, 39 years old, born September 12, 1986
10. Hernán Galíndez – Ecuador, 39 years old, born March 30, 1987