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Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among oldest 2026 World Cup players

Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes

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There is nothing like it the world cupand nothing can prepare someone better for the sport’s biggest tournament than experience.

Some of these players are more than twice the age of some of their younger teammates. While they may not have the same drive they had in their prime, they bring an important combination of leadership and experience to their teams.

christian ronaldoThe Portugal 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 years old, and he will soon turn 39.

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Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field after the first half during a soccer match in Houston

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field after the first half during the World Cup Group K match between Portugal and Congo in Houston on June 17, 2026. (Karen Warren/AP)

He USMNT Captain Tim ReamHe 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

Lionel Messi of Argentina 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 in this year’s World Cup.

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American defender Tim Ream applauds at Bank of America Stadium

U.S. defender Tim Ream reacts after the game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31, 2026. (Bob Donnan/Image 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 and 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

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

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