Oldest Players

Note: Final squads are announced on June 2 2026. Some of these players may not ultimately make their national squad — whether through injury, form, or a manager's decision. Ages are calculated at the start of the tournament on June 11 2026.

At 41, Ronaldo at a World Cup feels impossible. But here we are. He has never hidden his desire to play until the last possible moment and Portugal qualified with him still a key figure. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, every appearance will be treated as a farewell and every goal will feel like something from another era. This is almost certainly the last time the world watches Cristiano Ronaldo at a World Cup. Make sure you watch.

Thiago Silva has been one of the best defenders in the world for over a decade. Still playing at the top level at 41 is a remarkable achievement in itself. For Brazil this would be a deeply emotional occasion — he has been the defensive rock of the national team for years and the chance to go to a home World Cup in North America and compete for the trophy he never won would mean everything to him.

Croatia's World Cup generation has been built around Modrić for nearly two decades. Finalist in 2018. Third place in 2022. Now, at 40, this really could be the last chance for the best midfielder of his generation to lift the trophy. He is still playing at the highest level and still pulling strings in ways that younger players simply cannot replicate. A World Cup without Modrić orchestrating things will feel like a different tournament.

The man who redefined what a goalkeeper could be. Neuer's sweeper-keeper style changed the position forever and at 40 he is still one of the best in the world. Germany will be desperate to bounce back after their 2022 group stage exit and Neuer brings experience and leadership that no younger goalkeeper can replicate. Whether he remains first choice or not, his presence in the squad matters.

Suárez has spent his career doing things that should not be possible. He will be 39 at the 2026 World Cup and nobody would be surprised if he scores a crucial goal that sends Uruguay through. That is just what he does. He has been one of the most effective strikers of his generation, capable of moments of brilliance and moments of madness in equal measure. Uruguay without a veteran talisman would not feel like Uruguay.

Messi will actually turn 39 on June 24 — right in the middle of the group stage. There is something poetic about the greatest player in the world celebrating his birthday at the World Cup he already conquered in 2022. Whether he has enough left to dominate in the way he did in Qatar is the question nobody can answer. But the defending champions will be built around him, and Argentina fans will be willing him forward every single minute.

Müller has defined Germany for 16 years. He has scored at four World Cups, won it in 2014, and remains one of the most intelligent footballers to ever play the game. His understanding of space and movement is unique — he was scoring goals before anyone else knew what a Raumdeuter was. At 36 he may be on the fringes of the squad but if Germany need someone to come on and change a game, there are few better options on the planet.

Henderson's inclusion in this list tells you something about the nature of international football. He is 35 but still one of England's most experienced players. He has been through the 2018 and 2022 campaigns and that experience counts for something in the dressing room even if his minutes on the pitch are limited. Whether he makes the squad at all may depend on who England's manager calls up, but he remains a realistic option.