Who are the oldest players to feature at a World Cup?

Published 19 May 2026

Across the 96-year history of the men's World Cup, only seven players aged 40 or older have taken part in matches. However, that number could rise by at least eight this year, following their inclusion in their countries' final squads for the upcoming tournament.

Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary remains the oldest player ever to feature in a World Cup match, having done so at 45 years and 161 days old.

El Hadary set the record during a single appearance at the 2018 World Cup, coming on in a 2-1 group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia, surpassing the previous benchmark by more than two years.

Yet El Hadary's record appears secure for now, as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, is the oldest player named in any full squad this year by a significant margin.

If the Hearts shot-stopper plays this summer during Scotland's first World Cup appearance in 28 years, he would become the second-oldest player ever to feature in the tournament.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo could also join the select group of players who have competed at age 41 or above, should he take part in what would be his record-extending sixth World Cup.

Only El Hadary, former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, legendary Cameroon striker Roger Milla, and Northern Ireland icon Pat Jennings have made at least one World Cup appearance beyond that age.

Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric have all turned 40 and are expected to be involved in the competition.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will reach 40 just before his nation's first-ever World Cup match against Spain on 15 June.

He will be joined in the US, Canada, and Mexico by fellow goalkeepers in their forties, Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) and Fernando Muslera (Uruguay), who have also been selected for their countries.

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The top 10 oldest players in World Cup history

Former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary made his 159th and final international appearance in his country's final match at the 2018 World Cup

Essam El Hadary - Egypt vs Saudi Arabia (25 June, 2018) – 45 years, 161 days

Faryd Mondragon – Colombia vs Japan (24 June, 2014) – 43 years, 3 days

Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (28 June, 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

Pat Jennings – Northern Ireland vs Brazil (12 June, 1986) – 41 years, 0 days

Peter Shilton – England vs Italy (7 July, 1990) – 40 years, 292 days

Dino Zoff – Italy vs Germany (11 July, 1982) – 40 years, 133 days

Ali Boumnijel – Tunisia vs Ukraine (23 June, 2006) – 40 years, 71 days

Jim Leighton – Scotland vs Morocco (23 June, 1998) – 39 years, 334 days

David James – England vs Germany (27 June, 2010) – 39 years, 330 days

Atiba Hutchinson – Canada vs Morocco (1 December, 2022) – 39 years, 296 days

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.