Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among oldest players in 2026 World Cup

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

Some of these players are more than double the age of some of their younger teammates. While they may not have the same flashiness as 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 years old. Lionel Messi, the Argentine great, is the 12th oldest player in the tournament at 38 and will soon be 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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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the international friendly match 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 at this year’s World Cup.

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

1. Craig Gordon – Scotland, 43 years old, born December 31, 1982
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal, 41 years old, born February 5, 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-Herzegovina, 40 years old, born March 17, 1986
6. Manuel Neuer – Germany, 40 years old, born March 27, 1986
7. Vozinha – Cape 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 September 12, 1986
10. Hernán Galíndez – Ecuador, 39 years old, born March 30, 1987