Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among oldest 2026 World Cup players

There’s nothing like the World Cup, and nothing prepares someone better for sport’s biggest tournament 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 boom as their early innings, they bring a significant mix of leadership and experience to their teams.

Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the second oldest player in this year’s tournament at 41 years old. Argentina star Lionel Messi is 38 years old, the 12th oldest player in the tournament, and will soon turn 39.

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USMNT captain Tim Ream is not only the team’s oldest player, but also the 13th oldest player in the tournament at 38 years old.

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Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during an international friendly between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 09, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Here are the 10 oldest players in this year’s World Cup.

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U.S. defenseman Tim Ream reacts after a game at Bank of America Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

1. Craig Gordon – Scotland, 43 years old, born 31 December 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 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 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

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